Rams Roster: Fast 40+ Rams roster roundup: S Tanner Ingle (#28)

If you hadn't noticed, the LA Rams' secondary is a bit of a question mark for the LA Rams this season. To be fair, the secondary was a bit of a question mark in 2022 as well, having been impacted by the never-ending stream of injuries that impacted the entire Rams roster. But this year, the Rams' front office has opted to clear house and essentially start over. That's a tough situation to set up for the 2023 season, but it does give the LA Rams four years to develop continuity and chemistry among defensive backs in the hope of forming a formidable secondary.

While the LA Rams did not address their secondary needs directly during the 2023 NFL Draft, the Rams front office did a very admirable job of addressing the team's roster needs after the draft. Safety Tanner Ingle is one such intriguing addition to the Rams roster.

A quick summary

Tanner Ingle is a 5-foot-10 186-pound defensive back who hails from NC State. Coincidentally, that is also the Alma Mater for DL Larrell Murchison and rookie kicker Christopher Dunn as well.

He has all of the raw attributes of a contributor for the Rams defense. The challenge for both the LA Rams coaching staff and for Tanner Ingle is getting him stronger and refining his ball skills to the point where he is able to suit up and step up for the Rams secondary.

What I don't like about this signing

Raw is a four letter word for the LA Rams this season, simply from the fact that so many young rookies fit into that category right now. It's not that raw is a bad thing, but its abundance will push the patience and ability of the entire LA Rams coaching staff to the brink. More rookies are simply a necessary evil for the Rams 2023 training camp, but it doesn't me that I have to like it.

What I like about this signing

Undrafted rookies need to come with one of two attributes: Either amazing athleticism or outstanding passion for football, and Tanner Ingle fits the second category. He is a young man with the right mindset to succeed under Coach Aubrey Pleasant's tutelage.

You can coach a lot of things in the NFL, but you can't coach passion. That has to come from within, and Ingle is overflowing with the stuff. But passion is only going to take this young man so far. He will need to deliver.

He did deliver in college, as he showed steady development and progress over the span of five college seasons. He was particularly effective in his final two seasons with the Wolfpack secondary, which led to his invitation to compete in the Hula Bowl.

What I love about this signing

Ingle is a headsy and aggressive defender who possesses solid attributes that can be refined to make him a solid defensive back at the next level. He is fearless on the field, shooting quickly to engage running backs trying to find a running lane, or slashing behind blockers to thwart screen plays.

Ingle is a gamer, regardless of any physical limitations like height and/or weight. While 5-foot-10 and 186 pounds is not the typical 'thumper,' at safety, the Rams have positive experiences with players who were regarded as too small to succeed in the NFL. If you don't believe me, just ask Aaron Donald.

Ingle shows up in highlights when he plays, and that's what the LA Rams are looking for. Players who can make the plays.

What are his chances of making the roster?

The truth is that the Rams will need some rookies to step up in their secondary, and the need for the Rams to stockpile defensive backs to accomplish that means that Tanner Ingle has a 25 percent shot of making the active 53-man roster and a 50 percent shot of making the practice squad.

Whether practice squad or active roster, I think Tanner Ingle will stick this year.