Jacksonville Jaguars: Atlanta Falcons free agents to poach
By Luke Sims
3. Chris Chester, pending Atlanta Falcons free agent guard
Rebuilding the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line is critical for the Jags as they hope to balance the offense with the run game and also improve Blake Bortles‘ ability to pass. It’s a tall task that begins with turning the offensive line from a group of misfits into a group of quality studs.
Chris Chester is already 34-years old but has been one of the most dependable guards in the NFL over the last 11 seasons. He hasn’t missed a game since 2010 and has only missed seven games in his entire career. He is an absolute rock for an offensive line and – like free agent center Nick Mangold – can solidify one position for at least a short period of time, which will help build the Jags O-Line for the future.
Similar to Patrick DiMarco, Chester’s value lies in his ability to help establish a dominant running game while also providing above average pass blocking. Kyle Shanahan saw his value when the offensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins and brought him to the Falcons when he went there.
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Chester may only be a stop-gap solution for the Jaguars (much like Branden Albert) but the Jags may need exactly that. If they can steal him away in 2017 free agency and get a couple of good years out of him, it would allow the Jags to build up other positions through the draft.