Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t hold back when discussing one of the team’s most intriguing young talents following minicamp: second-year cornerback Riley Moss. A name that might not have drawn headlines in his rookie season, Moss is quickly gaining steam within the organization — and now, after an impressive string of offseason workouts, he’s earned the kind of praise that signals big things ahead. Payton’s admiration wasn’t just lip service; it was rooted in Moss’s rapid development, physical skillset, and a renewed confidence that’s caught the attention of both players and coaches alike.
Moss, a former standout at Iowa and third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the NFL with a reputation as a gritty, intelligent, and athletic defender. Known for his ball skills and cerebral approach to the game, Moss has always been praised for his film study, awareness in coverage, and smooth transitions. But like many rookies, the adjustment to the professional level in year one was not without its hurdles. An early injury limited his availability during training camp and delayed his ability to make an impact in regular-season action. However, with a healthy offseason under his belt, Moss is now thriving — and it’s impossible to ignore.
Throughout minicamp, Moss showcased the traits that made him a Day 2 selection. He broke up passes, read quarterbacks’ eyes, and was consistently in position during one-on-one and team drills. What stood out most, according to Payton, was his decisiveness and comfort within the defensive scheme. The Broncos have emphasized versatility and aggressiveness in their secondary, and Moss is beginning to emerge as a player who can thrive in both man and zone coverage. His footwork looked sharper, his anticipation faster, and his physicality more controlled — all signs of a maturing defensive back starting to trust his technique and instincts.
The Broncos’ cornerback room is competitive and filled with talent. With All-Pro Patrick Surtain II holding down the No. 1 corner spot and veteran players like Damarri Mathis vying for roles, Moss understands that nothing is guaranteed. Still, Payton’s words painted the picture of a player who is very much in the mix for meaningful playing time this season. The head coach noted Moss’s consistent competitiveness, his ability to bounce back from mistakes, and his communication skills as key factors in his rise this offseason.
For a team looking to climb back into playoff contention, having depth and development at cornerback is critical. The AFC is filled with top-tier quarterback talent, and the Broncos will need their secondary to be sharp week in and week out. Moss, with his blend of athleticism, intelligence, and tenacity, fits the mold of a modern corner — one who can line up inside or out, press at the line of scrimmage, and contribute in run support. His effort on special teams also adds to his value, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
Teammates have also started to take notice. Veteran defenders praised Moss’s work ethic and willingness to ask questions and seek feedback. They noted his attention to detail and his hunger to improve, often arriving early to meetings and staying late for extra film sessions. That level of dedication is starting to pay off, and it’s becoming clear that Moss is not simply content with being a backup or special teams player — he wants to start, and he’s putting in the work to make that happen.
During one of the standout moments in minicamp, Moss jumped a route and nearly intercepted a pass, drawing cheers from the sideline and nods of approval from the defensive coaches. Plays like that highlight the trust he’s building with the staff and the confidence he’s starting to show on the field. When Payton was asked what has changed about Moss since last season, he pointed to consistency, noting that Moss is stacking good days together — a hallmark of players who eventually earn starting roles.
What also makes Moss’s rise exciting for Broncos fans is the character he brings to the locker room. Known as a leader during his college days, Moss has quietly become a respected voice among the younger players. His professionalism and team-first attitude resonate well in a Broncos locker room that is focused on culture and accountability. The coaching staff has made it clear that leadership matters just as much as talent, and Moss is checking both boxes.
Physically, Moss has transformed his body this offseason. Working closely with the Broncos’ strength and conditioning staff, he added lean muscle while maintaining the speed that helped him run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the combine. That blend of size and quickness gives him the ability to match up with a wide variety of receivers. Whether defending bigger, more physical wideouts or shifty slot targets, Moss has proven he can hold his own — and sometimes dominate — in coverage.
Payton’s comments also suggest that Moss’s growth is part of a larger trend of young players stepping up across the roster. The Broncos are at a critical juncture in their rebuild, balancing proven veterans with emerging talents who can bring energy, speed, and hunger to the field. Moss, still just 24 years old, exemplifies what the Broncos are hoping to cultivate: smart, explosive, high-character players ready to make a difference when called upon.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Moss continues to build on his momentum. He’ll need to show that he can replicate his minicamp success in pads and against more physical competition. The preseason will also be a crucial test, giving Moss the chance to shine in live game situations. If he continues on this trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him challenging for a starting spot or earning significant rotational reps early in the regular season.
The Broncos’ defense has the potential to be one of the more underrated units in the NFL, particularly if the secondary gels. With Surtain drawing the top assignment and safeties like Justin Simmons anchoring the back end, a breakout from a player like Moss could elevate the group from solid to elite. That’s why Payton’s praise carries so much weight — it signals belief not just in Moss’s physical abilities, but in his readiness to contribute meaningfully in 2025.
For Moss, this moment is the culmination of years of hard work. From his days as an under-recruited high school athlete to becoming a standout at Iowa, to enduring the challenges of an injury-shortened rookie season, he’s remained focused and resilient. Now, with a full offseason to showcase his talent, he’s proving that he’s ready to take the next step. The Broncos are giving him that opportunity — and by all accounts, he’s making the most of it.
Payton concluded his remarks by emphasizing Moss’s attention to detail and toughness, adding that he “competes the right way.” That kind of endorsement doesn’t come lightly from a coach with Super Bowl pedigree. It reflects a belief that Moss isn’t just a good young player — he’s a future difference-maker.
As the Broncos look to return to relevance in a stacked AFC West, stories like Riley Moss’s represent hope. Hope that the draft picks are developing. Hope that the depth chart is stronger. Hope that this team is building from within. And with the head coach publicly backing Moss after just a few practices, it’s clear he’s someone to watch closely as the season draws nearer. Whether he starts, rotates, or locks down key special teams assignments, Riley Moss is making a name for himself in Denver — and he’s doing it the right way.
