Rams trade for kick returner Dante Hall

[RamWraith]

By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
04/25/2007

In a move to solve their kick-return problems, the Rams have traded a fifth-round draft pick to Kansas City for Dante Hall.

Hall, 28, is a two-time Pro Bowler who has returned 11 punts and kickoffs for touchdowns in his NFL career.

The trade probably takes the Rams out of the running for Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. in the draft, to be held this weekend.

“We have filled a need with one of the top players in football at his specialty, returning punts and kicks,” Rams coach Scott Linehan said in a statement. “Dante will fit in nicely on our special teams and can be utilized as a receiver in certain situations.”

Hall's numbers have trailed off since his peak season in 2003, when he averaged 25.9 yards per kickoff return (2 for TDs) and 16.3 yards per punt return (with 2 TDs).

In 2006, his seventh NFL season, he averaged 22.8 yards for 53 kickoff returns and 8.9 yards for 27 punt returns, one for a touchdown. He also caught 26 passes, two for TDs.

Hall is third in NFL history with 11 kick returns for touchdowns, behind Brian MItchell (13) and Eric Metcalf (12). He has a career average of 24.0 yards for 360 kickoff returns and 10.0 yards for 188 punt returns -- all with the Chiefs.

Hall, who is 5-foot-8 and 187 pounds, has three KO returns of 97 yards or longer and two punt returns longer than 90 yards