The quarterback class isn't filled with the star power from 2012.

So, don't expect another 1-2 punch combo to match Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III.

On the other hand, Geno Smith, Matt Barkley and Tyler Wilson lead the way with plenty of starting experience.

The position isn't as deep as the previous class either, which only makes finding the mid-round gem increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, its experience makes it reasonable to suspect this class enters the NFL better-prepared than given credit.

Don't overlook the 2013 running back class, because it's got impressive depth from all over the country.

A few ball-carriers to watch for are Wisconsin's Montee Ball, North Carolina's Giovani Bernard and Stanford's Stepfan Taylor.

Ball was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011, Bernard quickly developed as just a redshirt sophomore and Taylor is a beast within the trenches. Each is capable of making an immediate impact, along with plenty of others listed here.

It's not an extremely deep class of talent for receivers, but there are still solid playmakers to keep an eye on.

California's Keenan Allen certainly stands out, as well as Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson.

Given pro football's pass-first era, receivers are more appealing. So, expect multiple receivers to be taken in Round 1 this April—and as the draft progresses, a few taken higher than anticipated.

A receiving tight end in today's game is a significant competitive advantage.

The most consistently explosive offenses field a big, downfield playmaker, but a guy who is also a dependable run-blocker.

Tyler Eifert and Zach Ertz are the featured tight ends in this class because each is reliable in the passing game and come from run-oriented attacks.

In short, their complete skill set will transition nicely to the NFL.

There's plenty of offensive line talent to go around in the 2013 draft.

Led by Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel, the studs up front are also well represented from Alabama.

Include other key prospects such as North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper and Central Michigan's Eric Fisher, and we'll see numerous rookies contribute in the trenches next season.

The defensive line is stacked for the 2013 draft.

Whether it's defensive end or tackle, we'll see roughly one-third of Round 1 come from this side of the line.

Bjoern Werner and Damontre Moore lead the pack as Top 10 picks. Plus, there are tackles in Star Lotulelei and Sheldon Richardson who are worthy of Top 10 selection, as well.

That said, expect the defenses to shut down and control the line of scrimmage better next fall.

Courtesy of the impact made by Von Miller and Aldon Smith, the outside linebacker position has been given more appeal.

Teams are now looking to find that No. 1 outside pass-rusher, because quarterback pressure is so crucial to slow opponents down.

We can't, however, discount the impact from the inside 'backers either. Manti Te'o finished second in the Heisman Trophy race and there are other interior linebackers capable of producing as rookies, as well.

After all, blanketing the intermediate passing level and stuffing the run immensely helps a front seven, especially on third down and when backed inside the red zone.

Although the San Francisco 49ers won the NFC and nearly pulled a miraculous Super Bowl comeback, we saw how teams can exploit suspect coverage.

The 'Niners' secondary gave up numerous big plays to the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens, and it played a key role in ultimately costing them a sixth title.

That exposure also ups the marketability of corners Dee Milliner, Johnthan Banks and Desmond Trufant. Because fielding that No. 1 lockdown corner that takes away half the field allows the safeties and linebackers more turnover opportunities.

As vital as cornerbacks are to a secondary, safeties remain the last line of defense.

At the same token, being the last line is extremely important.

When a guy makes a touchdown-saving tackle, he simply provides his defense with another opportunity to keep the offense from scoring. 2013's safety class isn't deep with talent, which makes Texas' Kenny Vaccaro and Florida's Matt Elam extensively more attractive.

Because getting burned in a Cover 1 or 3 will cost numerous teams a chance at winning the field-position battle, and certainly multiple close games.

Special teams are always underrated, and yet they possess much significance in pro football.

The outcomes of games can be directly linked to this aspect because of field position, made or missed scoring opportunities and turnovers.

Regardless of how elite one team may be offensively or defensively, success will be limited without a reliable placekicker, booming punter and consistent long-snapper. Just ask any team that lost a playoff game in this regard.