Riley Moss Scouting Report and NFL Draft Player Profile
2023 NFL Draft Measurements
Riley Moss Scouting Report 40-Yard Dash Time – 4.41
6’1” / 193 lbs.
Riley Moss Draft Profile
Riley Moss is a former 2-star recruit out of Ankeny Centennial High School in Ankeny, Iowa. According to 247sports, Moss was the 16th-best player in Iowa out of the 2018 recruiting class. He was also the 344th-best cornerback in the nation. While achieving this status he gained some recognition from a few Division I programs. These schools were South Dakota State, Northern Illinois, North Dakota, North Dakota State, and Iowa. Back in 2017, Moss originally committed to play for NDSU and later de-committed and committed to Iowa.
As a true freshman in 2018, Moss played in all 13 games and started in five of those games. In those 13 games, he racked up 24 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 passes defensed. According to hawkeyesports, he was named Big Ten Conference Freshman of the week for how he played against Minnesota. In 2019, he played in 9 games due to an injury forcing him to miss 4 games. In those 9 games, he had 5 solo tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 passes defensed. As a junior in 2020, he started in all 8 games where he had 33 solo tackles, 1 interception, 1 pick-six, and 4 passes defensed. In 2021, he recorded 33 solo tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions, 2 pick-sixes, and 5 passes defensed. Finally, as a 5th-year senior, he recorded 31 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 11 passes defensed.
Strengths
Vision
Riley Moss has incredible vision everywhere on the field. When in zone coverage, he does a good job of sitting in his zone allowing the offense to develop. While watching the play develop, he can quickly adjust his coverage and gain leverage on the opposing receiver. In zone coverage, he keeps his eyes on the QB so he can adjust his body to make a play on the ball if it comes his way. When in man coverage, Moss does a good job of mirroring the receiver’s hips. This puts him in perfect leverage to track the ball over his shoulder deep down the field.
Athleticism
Moss is light on his feet when in coverage, which allows him to quickly backpedal to his zone and stay with the receiver. He can also change directions on a dime due to him keeping his center of gravity low. This allows him to quickly flip his hips and stay glued to the receiver’s hip. Moss is also very good at going up and making a play on the ball outside of his frame. According to Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List, Moss has recorded a vertical jump of 42 inches. This insane vertical helps him deflect passes or intercept the ball outside of his body frame. His athleticism also helps him make 1-on-1 tackles in the middle of the field.
Ball Skills
As I briefly mentioned earlier, Moss has a very high vertical that allows him to make a play on the ball outside his frame. He also has amazing grip strength to hold onto the ball through contact. Moss shows this at the catch point in congested areas because he rarely drops potential interceptions. He also displays this when he is tackled when running with the ball. His ability to read the QB’s eyes also helps him make a play. By reading where the QB is throwing the ball, he can jump the route and make the catch.
Weaknesses
Soft Coverage
The only major concern that I have surrounding Moss’ game is his inconsistency in soft-man coverage. When in soft coverage, Moss has a tendency to play the receiver too far under him. This often leads to an easy completion and giving up unearned yards after the catch. In the NFL, receivers are very good at punishing defenders who play too far off them. This is what Moss will be susceptible to if he doesn’t improve in this area.
Riley Moss Draft Stock
After watching tape on Moss, he has shown to still be a raw prospect who needs some development before becoming a starter. Going into this year, I questioned if Moss would be drafted. But, after further evaluation, I believe he is valued as a 5th-round talent.
Final Thoughts on Riley Moss
Riley Moss has proven to be one of the top cornerbacks in the Big Ten over the past few years. He is an incredible athlete who is good in both man and zone coverage. He is light on his feet which allows him to quickly change directions and explode toward the ball. Moss is also good at reading the play that is developing in front of him as well as reading the QB’s eyes. After reading the QB’s eyes, he can jump the route and make a play on the ball. Moss has good grip strength that allows him to hold onto the ball in congested areas and through contact. In order for Moss to be successful in the NFL, he needs to improve his ability in soft coverage. He plays the receiver under him too often allowing the receiver to make an easy catch.
Riley Moss Player Comparison
When watching his film, there are two players that he reminds me of. His football IQ and ball skills remind me of a raw version of Derion Kendrick. His athleticism and scheme fit remind me of his former teammate Matt Hankins.
Riley Moss Scouting Report and Player Profile Analyst – Matthew Lewis
