Chargers' Rivers: Hunter Henry needs to contribute right away

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is expecting big things from rookie tight end Hunter Henry in 2016.

Rivers expects the Chargers' second-round pick in this year's draft to contribute straight away following the loss of Ladarius Green in free agency, he said Monday in an interview with Darren Smith of Mighty 1090 AM.

"He's going to be a guy that we're going to need to come in and contribute right away and be out on the field on a lot of the stuff we do two tight-end wise," Rivers said, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN. "I'm assuming he's a sharp guy and I've seen him catch the ball. I don't think he had a drop last year.

"I think he runs well enough, but he uses his body, finds ways to get open and catches the football. I think he's going to be a key piece. He'll be right in the mix once he gets out here."

Henry was the first tight end off the board and his all-around skill set should help him live up to Rivers' expectations. Although he'll play behind starter Antonio Gates, the likely future Hall of Famer will be 36 years old by the time the season begins, so Henry will be asked to shoulder his fair share of the offensive burden in order to keep Gates fresh.

The Chargers' offense has consistently struggled to put up points over the past several seasons, finishing the 2015 campaign 25th in the league in points per game (20).

However, with a healthy Keenan Allen, the free-agent addition of speedster Travis Benjamin, and an offensive line that should remain intact, the Chargers' offense should dramatically improve in 2016 - especially if Henry can hit the ground running.