Riley Moss 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Earned Iowa’s Team Hustle Award in 2021

• Named Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2021

• Played defensive back and wide receiver in high school 
• Ran track in high school as a sprinter and hurdler

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Blended coverages
• 2022 projected role: Starting CB

Pros: An experienced defender, Riley Moss has made his share of noise with his ball production, hauling in 10 interceptions already entering the 2022 campaign. Moss is an instinctive defender in zone coverage where his ability to cue the backfield and work into throwing lanes is a notable strength of his game. Moss is consistent with his coverage spacing and how he stays leveraged in zone. His background as a receiver shows up when he’s challenged and has an opportunity to make a play on the football. Moss is a sound run defender that knows how to fit the run, take on contact, and spill runs back toward the inside. He is physical when taking on blocks, often forcing the ball carrier to slow his feet because the anticipated space is unavailable. 

Cons: Riley Moss can be too willing to squat on routes, which leads to delayed transitions when he needs to turn and run which makes it easy for receivers to gain vertical separation on him. While his straight-line speed is sufficient, I don’t find Moss to be a twitchy or dynamic mover that can mirror and match routes with consistency in man coverage. Moss has ordinary length, which is not ideal for a corner that projects to a zone scheme at the next level. While he isn’t a passive tackler or downhill player, there are too many missed tackle attempts due to inconsistent angles and failure to securely wrap up the ball carrier. Is a move to safety necessary for him to find success at the next level?

Riley Moss NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino