For the most part, the San Diego Chargers seem to be coming along pretty nicely as we head towards the start of the 2008 NFL preseason. Here’s a look at the current state of the team by position.

QB: Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers is well ahead of schedule from his off-season ACL surgery and has been moving and throwing well for some time now. My view is that Rivers may surprise to the upside this year, making him a slight 2008 sleeper. No other San Diego quarterbacks are likely worthy of a fantasy bench spot, in my view.

RB: We all know that RB LaDainian Tomlinson will be the first player chosen in most fantasy drafts, so there’s no need to spend much time here. As previously mentioned, L.T. may see a bit of preseason play, which is unusual. Assuming that Tomlinson makes it through the preseason, it’s likely that he’ll get a quicker start out of the gate versus his slow start of recent past seasons. Word is that rookie RB Jacob Hester has made an outstanding impression, but it’s unknown what role he’ll play in the Chargers’ offense at this time. Mighty Mite RB Darren Sproles looks like the most likely choice to back up L.T., but don’t be surprised if Hester is used as a change-of-pace back.

WR: The Chargers have a number of solid wide receivers but none of them shine from a fantasy perspective simply because San Diego has so many offensive weapons. WR Chris Chambers looks to be a weak #2 or strong #3 wideout and big WR Vincent Jackson should be considered a strong #3, however with considerable upside as a potential sleeper. Watch and learn.

TE: Probably the biggest news to come out of the Chargers training camp surrounds the slow recovery of TE Antonio Gates from big toe surgery. A very recent report stated that Gates was only 60% to 70% recovered and there is a slight chance that he could start the regular season on the PUP list. While this appears unlikely, it is a possibility and you should monitor the situation closely and take this into consideration on draft day.

PK: San Diego PK Nate Kaeding is better than most but not as good as some. He tends to see fewer FG opportunities because the Bolts typically score TDs instead.

DEF: The Chargers defense looks to be the top fantasy D on paper. DE Luis Castillo was recently inked to a long-term deal and DT Jamal Williams knees seem to be in relatively good shape. DB Antonio Cromartie should continue to improve, if that’s possible.

That’s my report for now. Best wishes in your upcoming fantasy drafts!