Broncos position preview: Can Riley Moss be a key player in secondary in Year 1?

Editor’s note: Ninth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, cornerbacks.

On the roster (10): Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Art Green, Faion Hicks, Delonte Hood, Damarri Mathis, Ja’Quan McMillian, Tremon Smith, K’Waun Williams, Essang Bassey.

How many on the 53?: Five.

Most impactful offseason move: Drafting Riley Moss

The Broncos made an interesting move in the draft trading the No. 108 pick and a 2024 third-rounder to select Moss at 83rd overall. It remains to be seen whether the Broncos gave up too much to draft the former Iowa standout. But he has a strong chance be a key player in Denver’s secondary as a rookie.

In addition to his speed and athleticism, Moss has incredible ball skills. Last season, Moss totaled 11 passes defended for the Hawkeyes. He was named the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2021 after he recorded four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns.

Biggest question to answer in camp: Will Damarri Mathis solidify his role as a starting corner?

Mathis’ starting debut last season wasn’t pretty. He stepped in for cornerback Ronald Darby, who suffered a season-ending knee injury, and was flagged four times for pass interference in Denver’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. But as the season progressed, he showed the potential of being Denver’s starting cornerback alongside Surtain for the foreseeable future. Training camp will be important for Mathis to continue to show his ability to be a starter in this league. Moss might give Mathis some competition, but the former Pitt standout has enough positive film to suggest he will come out on top.

Battle to watch: The fight for the final cornerback spot on the roster

If the Broncos keep only five cornerbacks, Smith will likely secure the final spot. He adds value not only as a kick returner but also in the secondary. Smith totaled three forced fumbles and four passes defended in a reserve role for the Texans in 2022. Bassey, McMillian and Green could convince Denver to add a sixth corner to the roster.

Under the radar player: Art Green

Green, an undrafted free agent, was named second-team All-American Conference after totaling 49 tackles, 10 passes defended and a pair of interceptions for Houston in 2022. He recorded nine tackles in the Independence Bowl and was named the game’s Defensive Most Valuable Player. Green has the size (6-foot-1 and 201 pounds) and speed (4.36-second 40-yard dash at his pro day) pro teams covet at cornerback.

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