SAN DIEGO -- With free agency and the draft in the rearview mirror, and organized team activities and minicamps in full swing, here’s a starting lineup projection for the Los Angeles Chargers:
OFFENSE (ONE BACK)
QB: Philip Rivers: The Chargers did their best this offseason to provide the veteran quarterback with enough help on offense to make another playoff run.
RB: Melvin Gordon: He finished with 1,416 total yards from scrimmage last season -- No. 10 in the NFL -- and missed the last three games of the season with knee and hip injuries.
WR: Keenan Allen: One of the top 10 receivers in the NFL when healthy, Allen has played in just nine games over the past two seasons.
LT: Russell Okung: The Oklahoma State product should provide an upgrade in run blocking and leadership along the offensive line.
LG: Dan Feeney: The rookie out of Indiana is capable of playing all three interior offensive line positions but will start here for now.
C: Matt Slauson: The nine-year veteran was the best offensive lineman for the Chargers last season and should be even more comfortable working with Rivers in his second year with the team.
RG: Forrest Lamp: The rookie improves the Chargers’ interior offensive line play with his strength and athleticism in the running game and pass protection.
RT: Joe Barksdale: Looking to rebound after leading the team in penalties last season.
TE: Antonio Gates: He needs one more touchdown to eclipse the all-time career TD record for tight ends of 111 held by Tony Gonzalez.
WR: Tyrell Williams: The Western Oregon product had a breakout season last year with Allen out, leading the Chargers in receiving yards (1,059) and receptions (69).
WR: Travis Benjamin: The speedy receiver played through a knee injury the second half of last season but still finished with 677 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He’ll have to hold off rookie Mike Williams to keep his starting job.
DEFENSE (4-3-3)
DE: Joey Bosa: After earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors last season, the Ohio State product should make the Pro Bowl in his second season.
DT: Brandon Mebane: The Chargers need the Cal product to hold down the middle for an entire season for this defense to reach its potential.
DT: Corey Liuget: He finished without a sack for the first time in six NFL seasons in a disappointing 2016 campaign.
DE: Melvin Ingram: The move to Leo defensive end should serve Ingram well as he’s used more exclusively as a pass-rusher.
LB: Jatavis Brown: The Akron product played well as a rookie and moves to more of a playmaker role as a weakside outside linebacker.
MLB: Denzel Perryman: He’ll take on the defensive play-calling duties with Manti Te’o moving to the New Orleans Saints in free agency. Perryman has to get better in pass coverage.
LB: Kyle Emanuel: The North Dakota State product continues in a similar role as an outside linebacker and edge player on early downs.
CB: Casey Hayward: Surprisingly led the NFL in interceptions with seven in 2016, but what will Hayward put together for an encore this year?
FS: Dwight Lowery: The 31-year-old safety brings experience and stability to the back end of the Chargers' defense.
SS: Jahleel Addae: A hard hitter and tone setter for the defense, Addae has to figure out a way to stay on the field.
CB: Jason Verrett: Just like Addae and Allen, Verrett is a playmaker when healthy. The TCU product has missed 24 games over his first three seasons in the NFL.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Josh Lambo: He led the NFL in touchbacks last year with 67, but Lambo’s 81.2 field goal percentage over the past two seasons is No. 29 in the NFL.
P: Drew Kaser: He finished tied for 10th in the NFL, averaging 46.3 yards per punt, including 18 downed inside the 20-yard line.
KR: Kenjon Barner: The speedy University of Oregon product averaged 30.8 yards per kick return in 2016.
PR: Isaiah Burse: The Fresno State product did a nice job of stabilizing the Chargers' return game in the second half of the 2016 season.