Indeed, as more teams build defenses from the inside out, with tackles as the cornerstones, centers are no longer on the outside looking in now. Teams are increasingly seeking out not just centers who can serve as anchors inside, but blockers with more athleticism. The preponderance of zone-blocking schemes around the league has fueled the urgency to locate such players.

Chester is an intriguing prospect in that regard. A player who began his college career as a tight end, the Oklahoma star moved to center as a junior, excelled there except for some injuries, and is one of the real risers on draft boards. Chester can get out in front on screen passes, pulls well on sweeps and will get down field and block at the second level.

"You get a guy as mobile as him," agreed one NFC offensive line coach, "and you can do a lot of things. A player like him gives you some important options on offense."