Traded WR stands out with Philly
BY SEAN JENSEN
Pioneer Press
MANKATO, Minn. — The Philadelphia Eagles' imprint on the 2006 Vikings is obvious with the hiring in January of Brad Childress, who brought with him the West Coast offense and several key staff members.
But an unheralded former Viking is making quite an impression on the Eagles at their training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.
Receiver Hank Baskett's performance there has compelled glowing comments from coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb, and compelled thousands of fans to chant his name during practices.
The name doesn't register?
That's because Baskett was a rookie free agent out of New Mexico who was traded to the Eagles in May for veteran receiver Billy McMullen. The transaction was curious because the Eagles were trading a former third-round pick for a rookie who wasn't drafted. But the move made sense to the Eagles.
"Our scouts really liked him," Reid said. "We had him as a late first-day pick, early second-day pick. And, he's just one of those guys that happened to fall."
Although he was disappointed he wasn't drafted, Baskett took solace in joining the same team as one of his college teammates and best friends, Vikings rookie center Ryan Cook. The two played at New Mexico for five years, and they were natives of the state.
"I thought he'd get drafted because he's a playmaker," Cook said. "Just being around him for five years, he's so dedicated and has the attitude that if you throw it up, he'll go get it."
That's precisely what he's done at Lehigh.
Baskett didn't stand out because he's 6 feet 4. He distinguished himself by making acrobatic catches and being a consistent playmaker. Even after the veterans arrived, Baskett remained a fan favorite, and he still runs with the first- or second-string offense.
Asked where he stands on the depth chart, Baskett said, "As long as you're catching balls from Donovan, you must be doing OK."
McNabb praised Baskett's work ethic last week and summarized the rookie's impact.
"Hank Baskett has been doing a wonderful job," he said. "Obviously he's a guy not a lot of people would know much about, but he's definitely opened up a lot of eyes with the things he can do in this offense.
"He's a bigger receiver, a guy that runs great routes and can catch the ball," McNabb said. "So, he's definitely going to help us in so many ways with depth right now at our wide receiver position."
Baskett knows he has a long way to go. But he can only marvel at how well training camp has gone so far.
"Aw man, it's been an amazing experience," Baskett said Saturday. "It was a rough road getting here. But I'm beyond excited. It's a blessing in disguise (to be traded)."
Baskett, though, is confident he could have excelled with the Vikings, a sentiment Cook echoed.
McMullen will participate in his first practice of training camp today as one of 12 receivers vying for, most likely, five or six spots.
In Philadelphia, where the receiver depth is much more shallow, Baskett's role has been heightened with minor injuries to Reggie Brown and Todd Pinkston.
"It's a tossup," Baskett said of his chances of making the roster. "Everyone is out here trying to make the team. If I can keep making plays, I have a real good shot of making it here.
"All I ask for is an opportunity, and that's what Philadelphia is giving me."
I wish the Vikings didn't trade him but if Hank keeps it up, he would really help the Eagles wide receiver corps since that is probably their biggest weakness...congrations, Eagles, the Eagles got themselves a superstar
Hank Baskett=Superstar
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