Minnesota’s Baskett trade proving costly

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, August 23, 2006  |  Comments( 9 )

Minnesota Vikings
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
From college standout to undrafted free agent, and Minnesota Viking to Philadelphia Eagle, the legend of wide receiver Hank Baskett seems to grow with each passing day.

As a senior in college, Baskett had 67 receptions for 1,071 yards and nine touchdowns, propelling him up the ranks of the top NCAA receivers. Prior to April's NFL draft, the New Mexico product found himself near the top of draft guru Mel Kiper's receiving prospects. However, during the two-day extravaganza, all 32 teams passed on Baskett.

Although undrafted, many teams showed interest in signing the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder. Eventually he agreed to a free-agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

On May 18, the Vikings shipped him off to the Eagles for 2003 third-round pick, receiver Billy McMullen, who never seemed to find his role in Philadelphia, hauling in just 22 receptions for 294 yards and one touchdown in three seasons. Normally, a trade of a rookie undrafted free agent for a receiver that has underachieved thus far in his career wouldn't draw headlines.

But when the Vikings' No. 1 receiver, Koren Robinson, was arrested on Aug. 15 and charged with DWI and fleeing from police, it depleted the depth at receiver. All indications are that he will be suspended for the season, and whether or not that is the case, his tenure in Minnesota is also likely over.

The Vikings are now hoping their current No. 4 receiver, McMullen, can provide a spark to a receiving corps that has been ostracized by some pundits. There is belief that he can be a contributor to the offense. Early in camp there weren't many balls thrown his way, but Robinson was still around back then. Lately, the 26-year-old has been showing promise, making some nice catches in practice. Head coach Brad Childress knows the receiver well from their days with the Eagles, so there's hope the team can find a way to utilize him.

Back to Baskett.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old rookie has been brilliant, becoming the feel-good story of the preseason. Eagles head coach Andy Reid has been impressed by the young receiver who has turned heads all around the league. In his second game, he made a magnificent catch on a 33-yard pass against the Browns, being tackled just short of the end zone. Baskett, the 2004 Mountain West Conference outdoor high jump champion, should be a great red-zone target for Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Aside from his leaping ability, he also possesses tremendous size and strength.

Entering camp, veteran Todd Pinkston had a stranglehold on the No. 2 receiver spot. A nagging Achilles' injury combined with Baskett's performance is making it more and more likely the rookie will earn the starting job.

When asked about Baskett's chances of being the team's No. 2 wideout, Reid said, "Now, does he need to continue to improve? Absolutely, these next three weeks he needs to continue to improve, but he's held his own out there and done a nice job."

If Baskett continues his stellar play into the regular season, not only will he be starting for the Eagles, but he will have Vikings officials and fans shaking their heads for letting him slip away.

-Contact Eric Krupka with your questions or comments at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

Get more original Minnesota Vikings columns at Realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (9)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report
CommentsComments: 9  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Nathan		06:40 PM
08/23/2006
Way to go Hank Baskett the former Lobo from New Mexico. I guarantee Viking's fans will be shaking their head. Remember the last...
No.2
Viking Dan		07:46 PM
08/23/2006
Baskett wasn't drafted. The Vikings drafted C Ryan Cook from New Mexico in the 2nd round this year. I think are WR's are good...
No.3
Mykle Van Hausen		07:48 PM
08/23/2006
Yay! Nice article. Love Hank and think ALL nfl teams screwed up by not taking this guy. Sure, he may not possess world class...
Team News  |  View All Vikings Content
Trade Heard Round the (Sport...
It’s inevitable that the Randy Moss to Minnesota trade executed by th...
1 year, 4 months ago   |   Trade Heard Round the (Sports) World ( 0 )
What’s Right is Wrong
When the NFL first rose above baseball as the most popular sport in Am...
1 year, 5 months ago   |   What’s Right is Wrong ( 0 )
Focused and Determined
A trip to Mankato State last week to watch the Vikings practice in she...
1 year, 6 months ago   |   Focused and Determined ( 1 )
The Return of the Attention...
Brett Favre will be back to play this year. Just thought I’d put that...
1 year, 6 months ago   |   The Return of the Attention 4 ( 6 )
Ray Edwards Passes His Unhap...
Ray Edwards, the other Minnesota Vikings’ defensive end, railed agains...
1 year, 11 months ago   |   Ray Edwards Passes His Unhappiness on to Others ( 0 )