NFL Draft 2013: Teams That Will Become Contenders with Elite 1st-Round Haul

A top NFL draft prospect may only be one player, but his impact is capable of getting that specific team back to the postseason.

The 2012 draft class gave us prime examples in quarterbacks Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts) and Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins), as well as offensive tackle Matt Kalil (Minnesota Vikings).

Now despite the incredibly different slate of prospective talent this year, there are teams that will get back into the postseason mix. When the event begins, though, it's simply a matter of landing that Round 1 selection to provide a jolt of confidence throughout the team.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have the opportunity to do exactly what the Vikings did last season: draft the top offensive tackle and rely on the ground game to reach January.

Well, Kansas City has its offense solidly in place around running back Jamaal Charles. Interestingly enough, the guy dominated last season. The impact of taking Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan simply propels K.C. to another level.

Either will obviously wall off the blindside when pass protecting, because that's their forte. At the same time, adding Joeckel or Fisher helps establish an even stronger and more punishing attack.

Kansas City already fields a competitive advantage with Charles, but sprucing up his production also benefits the passing game. In turn, a sufficiently balanced approach will keep defenses honest and allow the Chiefs to control the game tempo.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia has an edge leading into the 2013 NFL season, because the next NFC East team to draft are the Dallas Cowboys at No. 18 overall. And given the scattered depth throughout this class, the Eagles sitting 14 spots ahead of Dallas is an extreme advantage.

Additionally, the NFC East remains a wide open division.

As for the Eagles, going with the best available offensive lineman or addressing the secondary will be of immense assistance to coach Chip Kelly. Bringing in Joeckel or Fisher provides instant quarterback protection, because Philly gave up 48 sacks in 2012.

Now mesh the ridiculous number of fumbles with NFC East pass-rushers and a better pocket is needed. That said, the Eagles do have the ground game to help set up the pass and establish balance.

Moving to the pass defense and drafting Alabama's Dee Milliner suits nicely as well. The Eagles gave up 33 passing touchdowns and only picked off eight passes last season. Even though Milliner isn't a turnover machine, he'll lock away half the field and help with perimeter run support.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills enter the 2013 campaign in similar position to the Chiefs and Eagles. Courtesy of C.J. Spiller, Buffalo fielded a strong running game last season as he averaged six yards per carry.

Even better, Buffalo also has a defense with plenty of potential. The secondary is led by safety Jairus Byrd and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, whereas the front seven features pass-rusher Mario Williams and tackle Marcell Dareus.

The biggest area to fix is quarterback, which gets addressed in the form of West Virginia's Geno Smith.

Buffalo has to get more consistent reliability from its aerial assault. Smith fits perfectly because he supplies excellent decision-making, a quick release and strong arm.

For the Bills, Smith won't be relied on much with the ground game working. As a result, he'll benefit nicely on play-action since defenses will be more focused on isolating Spiller, which is already a tough challenge.