Broncos Wire‘s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at third-year cornerback Riley Moss, No. 21.
Before the Broncos: Moss had the opportunity to play in one of the Power 5 conferences in college football, the Big Ten, when he attended the University of Iowa. Moss was a five-year player with the Hawkeyes from 2018-22. In 54 career games, Moss totaled 158 tackles (123 solo, 35 assisted, six tackles for loss), 11 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 26 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
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Moss’s productivity led him to being drafted by the Broncos in the third round (83rd overall) in the 2023 NFL draft.
Broncos tenure: Moss, teased by teammates for being a rare white cornerback, underwhelmed in his rookie season after core muscle surgery, but he had a breakout campaign in Year 2.
Moss began 2024 as a starting cornerback after beating out veterans Levi Wallace and Damarri Mathis in training camp, and he was healthy for 14 starts last fall. Moss totaled eight pass deflections, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 86 total tackles (65 solo, 21 assisted). Head coach Sean Payton wasn’t surprised by Moss’ turnaround from Year 1 to Year 2, and Moss will remain a key cornerback for the club in 2025.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Certain. Moss is, without a doubt, a top-three cornerback with the Broncos, and the favorite to play across from reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain. Jahdae Barron was added to the mix this spring, but all three CBs could play at the same time, with one of Barron or Moss in the slot. Moss’ biggest question mark will be his ability to remain on the field and keep the injury bug at bay.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Riley Moss is still the favorite for CB2 role