Riley Moss is a highly rated cornerback whose importance to the Denver Broncos’ defense cannot be overstated. Moss became the first white NFL player to start as a cornerback and make an interception since Jason Sehorn in 2002.
Despite a relatively slow start as a rookie, Moss has emerged as a solid option for the Broncos. His physicality, athleticism, and physicality suit his role as a key cog in the Broncos’ defense.
This article looks closely at Riley Moss’ stats, achievements, and personal life. Let’s dive in.
Betting Insights and Recommendations for Riley Moss NFL
Keen on making some cash while watching your favorite NFL teams go head-to-head? Betting on the Denver Broncos has never been easier, especially since betting was legalized in Colorado in 2020.
The Bronco's defense is among the meanest in the game, and you can bet on in-form Riley Moss and Co. to continue keeping opposing offenses at bay.
Let’s look at some of the best bets you can make on the best betting apps.
Suggested Bets for the Broncos:
- Total Points (OVER/UNDER 42.5): The Broncos have one of the meanest defenses in the league, and an under 42.5 can always go well. However, their match week 13 game against the Browns delivered an OVER result (41–32).
- Money line: The Broncos will be keen to secure a playoff berth, so expect them to put their all in their must-win fixtures.
- Tackles (OVER/UNDER): Choose the number of tackles likely to be made by the Broncos’ defense.
- Sacks (OVER/UNDER): The Broncos have over 18 sacks this season, which is expected to increase. But with quarterback Bo Nix entering the form of his life, chances of being sacked can be lower than expected.
Here are some of the top betting sites you can access to place a wager on the upcoming Broncos games:
- BetMGM: Sign up with BetMGM and get up to $1,500 back on lost bets.
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Although Betway exited the Colorado market, there are several top betting sites you can try out and place your wagers on. The trick is to choose easy-to-use sites with competitive odds, diverse markets, and plenty of bonuses.
Who is Riley Moss? Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in March 2000 in Ankeny, Iowa, Riley Moss has always been a big football fan. His dad, Mark Moss, played football at the Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa, and was instrumental in Moss’ love for the game.
Moss was raised in Ankeny, Iowa, where he attended Ankeny Centennial High School. He played football and ran track, setting an Iowa state record as a senior sprinter after running 110-meter high hurdles in an impressive 1385 seconds. In 2018, he was nominated for the Iowa Male Athlete of the Year award.
Things haven’t always been smooth for the cornerback, as he was rated a two-star prospect before receiving a late offer from the University of Iowa. Interestingly, the Broncos cornerback paid his tuition during his first summer before receiving a fall scholarship. He impressed coaches in training camp and got to play on special teams.
Upon gaining his first start, Moss had to defend future NFL receivers, Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman. Despite the stern test, Moss managed two interceptions and earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award.
It wasn’t smooth sailing as a true freshman, as he gave up TD passes of 82 and 41 yards in a damning 38-36 loss at Purdue. This shook his confidence but acted as a turning point in his career.
Moss appeared in 54 games (40 starts) for the Iowa Hawkeyes over five seasons. His collegiate career was impressive, as he managed 158 tackles (123 solo), two forced fumbles, 11 interceptions (239 yards., 3TDs), one fumble recovery, and 37 passes defensed.
His on-field performances earned him several accolades, including an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2020 after managing 33 solo tackles and two interceptions. Riley Moss was named First-team All-Big Ten in two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. He won the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award in 2021, in addition to winning several Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week awards in high school.
His impressive college performances earned him the Broncos' third-round pick (83rd overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Moss had an okay rookie season and has improved further in his second season.
Riley Moss’s Stats with the Denver Broncos
Riley Moss, the first white cornerback in the NFL for over two decades, has settled relatively quickly in the NFL. The Broncos selected the athletic cornerback in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.
The cornerback finished his rookie season with three tackles after making headlines for being a white cornerback. Broncos coach Sean Payton named him as the second starting cornerback.
As of week 13, Moss has managed 71 tackles, one forced fumble, and eight passes defended. The defender was in good form in weeks 11 and 12 against the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively, making 10 solo tackles in the two wins.
Considering Moss is just in his second season with the Broncos, it’s highly likely that his stats will continue to improve. His solo interceptions (53) are the 29th-best in the league, while his one interception is the 60th-best. The cornerback ranks 27th in the NFL for passes defended this season. His one forced fumble is 48th best in the league.
Broncos coach Payton believes Moss will only get better if he stays injury-free. The athletic cornerback is widely expected to improve his statistics over the years, especially due to his flexibility. Moss’ explosiveness is also a major asset in the cornerback’s arsenal.
Riley Moss’s Age and Physical Profile
Riley Moss was born on March 3, 2000, in Ankeny, IA. The cornerback is known for his flexibility, which is solely due to his outstanding athleticism. He weighs 193 lbs and is 6’0’’ tall, and he plays as a starting cornerback for the Broncos.
The Broncos cornerback ran an official 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine 2023. His impressive speed was 39th among all prospects and 12th among cornerbacks. His pace and fast acceleration boost his overall flexibility and make him a genuine threat in different areas of the pitch.
Riley Moss also ranked well when tested for explosiveness at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. His 39-foot vertical jump and 10-foot-7-inch broad jump were impressive and boosted his overall ratings.
The fact that Moss was the first white CB to start in the NFL for over two decades tells a lot about his personality and determination to break stereotypes. His pace, aggression, and flexibility have allowed him to prove doubters wrong. Expect him to get better with time.
Riley Moss’s Contract with the Denver Broncos
After five successful seasons at Iowa, Riley Moss earned a move to the Broncos as a third-round pick. It was apparent from the get-go that Moss wouldn’t make a top pick for his position, but he was expected to get selected in the later rounds. The Broncos came for the explosive cornerback and offered him a 4-year rookie contract.
According to Spotrac, the contract is worth around $5.45 million. The cornerback received a $961,809 signing bonus and was a highly rated pick, at least according to Broncos coach Payton.
While Moss’s contract isn’t the worst in the league, it pales in comparison to the contracts offered to first-round picks like Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon. Gonzalez signed a four-year contract with the Patriots worth $15,102,868, and Devon earned an impressive four-year contract worth $31,861,152 with the Seahawks.
Moss was brought in mainly as a squad player for his rookie season to become an eventual starter. Now in his second season, the cornerback has performed considerably well and will likely earn an improved contract as his NFL career progresses.
Riley Moss’s Salary and Earnings
The Broncos cornerback's $5.45 million contract expires in 2027. Moss earned $990,452 in 2023 and is expected to earn $1,238,065 in 2024. His salary is set to increase to $1,485,678 in 2025 and around $1,733,291 in 2026.
Not much is known about how much Moss earns from his partnerships, but the amount is set to increase over the years if he continues improving. The cornerback has gained widespread popularity as a white cornerback and is expected to get several deals as his profile improves.
Riley Moss’s Future with the Denver Broncos
Few expected Moss to slot in so effortlessly as a cornerback at the Broncos. The second-year cornerback has yet to hit his peak, meaning his numbers will probably improve over his rookie contract.
Moss’s impact on the team has seen him make the starting cornerback position alongside Pat Surtain II. His rookie season with the Broncos saw him play 14 games and record three tackles (one solo). This set him up for a good 2024, making the cut as one of coach Payton’s starting cornerbacks.
The greatest challenge Moss will likely face at the Broncos is staying fit and improving his defensive numbers to match some of the game's top performers. He is likely to continue being picked on and targeted, especially before players, fans, and coaches alike get over the ‘white cornerback’ stereotype.
Riley Moss has delivered solid performances and has justified coach Payton’s decision to have him as a starting cornerback. The cornerback made four solo tackles in week 10 and followed that up with five solo tackles in week 11. If he keeps improving his pass breakups and delivers better on-field stats, chances of securing a more lucrative and rewarding contract seem high.
FAQs on Player Riley Moss
Does Riley Moss Have a Poor Injury Record?
Riley Moss doesn’t have a bad injury record, as he is primarily fit. However, he has had some injuries that have kept him out of the team. Coach Payton believes that Riley Moss is a future star, especially if he can stay fit.
Was Riley Moss a First Pick in the NFL Draft?
Riley Moss wasn’t a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. The Broncos cornerback was a third-round pick in the 2023 draft and has gone on to establish himself as a vital part of the franchise's defense.
Wrapping Up
Riley Moss might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of the Broncos, but the cornerback is slowly cementing his status as a future Broncos defensive legend.
In just his second year, Moss has vindicated Payton’s decision to place him in his favored cornerback position instead of safety.
As the in-form defender continues to go head-to-head with some of the best receivers and QBs in the game, expect him to break more records and boost his defensive numbers.
Stay tuned for more updates on Riley Moss and the Denver Broncos. Don’t miss the chance to place your bets on their next game or dive deeper into our exclusive Broncos coverage!
Reference Links:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riley_Moss
- https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/sean-payton-riley-moss-injury-update-raiders
- https://www.denverbroncos.com/team/players-roster/riley-moss
- https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MossRi00.htm
- https://hawkeyesports.com/roster/riley-moss
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