With spring practice scheduled to open Thursday, March 5 under 11th-year head coach Brian Kelly, popular conversation centers on where Notre Dame is projected to be strongest and what areas are of greater concern.

Many times the units often anticipated to be the best end up not living up to expectations, while the ones that are perceived to be a problem area result in pleasant surprises.

We will do another such assessment following the 15 spring practices, but for now here is our opinion on what position groups will begin spring with the best combination of experience, proven talent and depth, at least on paper.