Building on the foundation with the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2012-13 season 2-14, which means they stunk. They also earned the first overall pick in the draft, which means they were the worst team in pro football.

You can twist and turn it any way you want, but those facts remain.

All of that doesn't mean this team doesn't have talent. In fact, with six pro bowlers and other players who could easily garner consideration like a healthy Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Flowers and Branden Albert. The Chiefs have one of the most talented rosters in the league, yet they blow.

The 2008 version in Kansas City also went 2-14, but had absolutely no developed talent to speak of. Men like Jamaal Charles, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Flowers were still finding their traction in the NFL. The best player on the team that season was easily Tony Gonzalez, who was on the way out.

That team needed a total rebuild, this one just needs a couple of renovations.

The Chiefs desperately need a quarterback, that isn't news. With the No. 1 overall pick Kansas City should be taking the best signal caller available, value be damned. With a good quarterback and Andy Reid at the helm, this team is instantly a playoff team that could challenge for glory.

With a new left tackle or defensive lineman coupled with the fourth-highest rated QB on the board, the Chiefs are still a disaster.

The potential for 11 wins vs. 6 wins, how's that for value?

It's easy to look at the 2-14 record and say this team is a total joke, because it is. The team is a laughingstock, but the players on it aren't. With good coaching and a man behind center guiding his troops downfield, Kansas City can contend, just look at Indianapolis, Washington, Seattle and even Miami to a lesser extent.

None of those teams made sweeping improvements outside the quarterback position, and three ended up as playoff qualifiers.

Reid can make all the difference if he has someone capable of stretching the defense. Reid understands how to call plays and put his guys in a position to succeed, something that hasn't been the case on offense since Charlie Weis was in town.

In 2010, the Chiefs went 10-6 and won the AFC West with a roster less talented than the one currently assembled. There was no Justin Houston, no Jeff Allen or Jon Asamoah (starting anyway, and yes, Brian Waters was on the down side then).

Take heart Chiefs fans, this doesn't have to be a 5-year plan as Mr. Peterson loved to say. This can be the quick fix. This can be having to replace a belt fan, not needing a new car.

April 25th isn't that far away, but rest assured the rumors will swirl heavier by the day as we approach our date with destiny.

With the right selection, Kansas City can build on this foundation and make it a beautiful house once again.