By Herbie Teope

It has been a whirlwind of change at One Arrowhead Drive since the 2012 NFL season ended after a disastrous 2-14 campaign.

Out are head coach Romeo Crennel and GM Scott Pioli, who compiled a 23-41 record in four seasons. Enter head coach Andy Reid, whom the Chiefs hired days after he parted ways with the Eagles.

The hiring brings credibility to a franchise that suffered through head coaches like Crennel, Todd Haley and Herm Edwards since 2006. Reid’s track record restores hope to a passionate fan base and he’ll start with a gift from the 2012 regime: the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft.

But while a glaring need rests at quarterback, numerous draft analysts believe this year’s class doesn’t have a passer worthy of the top pick, a problem Reid alluded to during his introductory press conference.

“We have been blessed with the No. 1 pick in the draft,” Reid said. “And you want to make sure you do the right thing and pick the right guy, not necessarily a quarterback, it has to be the right thing.”

QBs Geno Smith, Tyler Wilson and Matt Barkley are high on wish lists. However, don’t expect Reid to fall in the trap of using the top pick on a QB for the sake of drafting one despite inheriting a position that combined for eight touchdown passes and 20 interceptions in 2012. 

“You don’t want to force anything,” Reid said of the No. 1 pick. “People that do that get themselves in trouble.”

Nevertheless, the Chiefs have options, including trading down should the right offer present itself. Reid also could follow his last draft in Philadelphia by going with the best player available in April.

Prior to 2012, Eagles beat writer Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer said Reid’s drafts in 2010 and ’11 appeared to reach for players to fill holes. The Eagles were also aggressive in free agency, which included the 2011 “Dream Team” that finished a disappointing 8-8.