Blow for Joe(ckel)!

Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel

By Steve Lienert

After Monday evening's 30-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Eagles fell to 3-8.

If the season ended today, thanks to the one-point win over Cleveland on Opening Day, Philadelphia would have the fourth pick in the 2013 draft.

The Chiefs, who currently own the top pick, the Jags (2-9) and the Browns (3-8) hold the three picks in front of the Birds, but none are expected to take Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel.

That's good news for the Eagles. If they land Joeckel and get Jason Peters, Todd Herremans and Jason Kelce back from injury, suddenly the offensive line is vastly improved.

Danny Watkins or Evan Mathis can start at the other guard position or the Eagles can select Kentucky guard Larry Warford or Wisconsin guard/center Travis Frederick in the third round to solidify the line.

However, if one of the benefits of this wretched season happens to be that the Eagles develop some depth on their offensive line, it may open up the opportunity for the Birds to draft Oklahoma QB Landry Jones in the third round.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco could become a free agent at the end of this season but it would be tough to see him leaving Baltimore. The Seahawks traded for former Aaron Rodgers backup Matt Flynn but decided rookie Russell Wilson was a better option. That could make Flynn, and his high salary, an expendable piece. DeSean Jackson for Matt Flynn? Hmmm...

If either of those falls through, the Eagles could do worse than drafting Jones, who backed up Sam Bradford before taking over the reigns in Oklahoma.

Of course this all happens after the Eagles select the new head coach. They need to take a serious look at 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. His act will be refreshing, especially in South Philly.

Once again the backdrop at Andy Reid's press conference was the RICOH ad. "Imagine. Change."

That's all we're doing Andy. That's all we're doing.

It hinges on drafting Joeckel. The Eagles are in prime position to do so.

Failure would set this organization back two more years.