Hank who?

Rookie WR Hank Baskett was traded from Minnesota in the offseason for Billy McMullen, a former third round pick in the 2003 draft. The Birds had high hopes for McMullen, who is a 6-4, 215-pound receiver. He seemingly had all the tools but couldn’t hold onto the ball nor learn the system.

Not many people have Baskett on their draft boards. And for good reason. As of this writing, 4for4.com has Baskett ranked as the 74th best Fantasy WR in the NFL.

Still, he’s probably the most talked about, three-catch, preseason wide receiver out there right now.

Baskett started the Eagles first two preseason games as the number-two receiver alongside of Reggie Brown. That says a lot right there. He’s passed Greg Lewis and Jabar Gaffney on the depth chart and with Todd Pinkston injured – bam – instant number-two.

Baskett, in his three catches, has showed he has good hands and isn’t afraid to go after the ball, something that goes a long way when it comes to the Eagles receivers. While he won’t blow away any defensive back, it’s been said he runs good routes. He’s also been lifted whenever the rest of the first team is, showing he’s valued right up there with the big boys.

On the downside, it’s still uncertain as to how much time Baskett will get. If Pinkston comes back healthy it’s assumed he would move into the number-two spot after Brown.

The Eagles have also been rumored to be interested in Denver’s Ashley Lelie, who would most likely take over the number-one or two spot, again pushing Baskett to three.

While he may be on the first team, getting pulled after a few series isn’t exactly giving Baskett a lot of time on the field and it’s tough to tell how that will affect him if he starts the season where he currently stands.

Plus, it’s a little odd that Minnesota would give up on a potential talent given they could use help at the position. Did the Vikings spot something?

It’s going to be interesting to see if Baskett is the real thing or if he goes back to his undrafted, free agent status.

Baskett can be had “on the cheap” so you have little risk keeping him on your “watch list.” If the Eagles start the season with Baskett as a number-two, you never know.