Obviously, it’s quite early in the year, so not a lot of news coming from this Chargers just yet. But let’s take an early look at the team and its needs by position.

QB: L.A. QB Phillip Rivers remains your starter and will probably continue to be one of the better quarterbacks in the game. But one can only guess how many more years Rivers will play at age 37. Best guess? 1-3 more seasons, including 2018. While Rivers isn’t elusive, he is good at not getting hit and is rarely injured, so that could extend his effectiveness beyond the norm a bit. But in my view, it’s time for the Chargers to draft their quarterback of the future. QB Kellen Clemens is 34 and is a free agent. It’s unknown if the team will bring him back. Best guess is that they will, depending on price of course. But again, at some point sooner than later, they have to think about the future at the position.

RB: Even though he a bit fragile, RB Melvin Gordon, when healthy, remains one of the better running backs in the game and is a bit of a throwback, as he’ll get most of the carries by far. RB Branden Oliver is a free agent and if I were the Chargers I would not make an effort to re-sign him.

WR: The Chargers remain deep at wide receiver. WR Keenan Allen is only 25 and should continue to be the focal point at the position. WR Mike Williams saw limited opportunities last season, but he looks to have all the tools and should play a more prominent role this season. WR Tyrel Williams is a free agent and is a player worth keeping, in my view, especially considering the fragility of Allen. WR Travis Benjamin is a speedster, but has not played a major role. He might be keeping around, albeit perhaps with a cut in salary.

TE: The future is now and TE Hunter Henry is the man at tight end. While TE Antonio Gates is one of the best ever at the position, he’ll be 38 this year and he would probably be the first to admit that his skills have eroded. Gates is a free agent this year and as much as I love the guy and it pains me to write this, it’s probably time to go.

PK: Lots of problems here. Lots of injuries here. I’d draft someone with a big and accurate leg and try to create some stability at the position for the next 5+ years.

DEF: Some of the free agents include S Tre Boston, who has been solid. I’d recommend that the team re-sign him. LB Korey Toomer is also very good, with starting potential. Re-sign if the price is reasonable. Free agent LB Jerry Attaochu is also worth efforts to retain, again depending on the asking price.

End.