2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Riley Moss (CB – Iowa)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Riley Moss.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Riley Moss (CB – Iowa)

Riley Moss (CB – Iowa)

6’1” – 193 lbs.

Background:

Played 333 snaps and started six games way back in 2018, then 148 snaps with one start in 2019; intercepted two passes and broke up three in each of those years. Took over a full-time starting role in 2020, allowing 27/43 passing for 342 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions (four breakups). Quarterbacks went 23/43 for 407 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions when targeting him in 2021 and 31/65 for 352 yards, four touchdowns and one interception this past year. Also broke up five and eight passes in those years, respectively.

Positives:

Five-year contributor who graded out well and made some progress every year. Tall player with the frame to handle more bulk. Was asked to play a little bit of everything in school, with a good mix of man/zone and different techniques. Footwork is very clean overall, showing nice attention to detail. Does a nice job of feeling routes develop to stay connected. Plays with patience and doesn’t give up much separation at the stem; does a nice job of not letting window dressing take him out of position. Has the raw speed to carry opponents down the sidelines. Generally gets his head around early to locate when turning his back to the passer. Has a good feel for plays developing underneath; knows when to break off of a higher route and come down to defend underneath or aggressively attack screens. Has some explosive athletic traits. Ran back three career interceptions for touchdowns. Willing tackler in run support; also does a nice job of using his suddenness to play off of blocks and get to the football.

Negatives:

Will be 23 on draft day, so he’s slightly older than some of his peers. Has a somewhat thin frame and may need to add some additional bulk at the next level. Length measurements at the Combine could be interesting. Typically played on the right side during the games reviewed; would like to see his footwork from the other side of the defense. Doesn’t play with a ton of physicality at the line of scrimmage or in coverage. Gives up some late separation when targeted and doesn’t have elite recovery speed to get back in phase. Has a few plays where it looks like he misplayed route combinations from zone during the games reviewed. Functional strength is just average. Lack of ideal length limits his tackling radius to some extent and also misses some attempts due to lack of form.

Summary:

A tall cornerback with the polished technique and solid instincts you’d expect from a cornerback who spent five years in school. Not a total lockdown defender, but might have enough experience and explosiveness to work his way into a lineup as a team’s second cornerback, especially if he can continue to add more functional strength and physicality to his game. Would probably fit best on a team with a more conservative approach.

Projection: Round 4-5