Reid told Chiefs GM that Edwards-Helaire is better than Brian Westbrook

In his 21 years as an NFL coach, Andy Reid-led teams had never selected a running back in the first round of the draft. That is until the Kansas City Chiefs picked Clyde Edwards-Helaire 32nd overall on Thursday night.

The fact Reid was open to selecting a position in the opening round that is devalued in today's NFL should signify how much he likes Edwards-Helaire. He even went as far to say that the LSU runner is better than another former All-Pro running back he had during his lengthy tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I remember talking to (Reid) reminding him how much (Edwards-Helaire) reminds me of Brian Westbrook," Chiefs GM Brett Veach said, according to The Draft Network's Trevor Sikkema. "Coach called back and after a few conversations he admitted he thought he was better than Brian."

Westbrook spent eight years with the Eagles from 2002-09. His best campaign came in 2007 when he led the NFL with 2,104 scrimmage yards. He caught 90 passes that season in an era before running backs had to be capable receivers, making him an easy comparable for Edwards-Helaire, who is already polished in the passing game.

Edwards-Helaire, who was the only running back taken in the first round, is an advanced route-runner with soft hands. The shifty, elusive back had 55 catches to go along with 1,414 rushing yards last season at LSU.

Prior to Edwards-Helaire, the highest Reid had ever drafted a running back was LeSean McCoy, who turned into a two-time All-Pro after going 53rd overall to the Eagles in 2009.