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Riley Moss is headed to the Mile High City.
The former Ankeny Centennial and Iowa football star was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night. The defensive back was taken with the 83rd overall pick and was the fourth Hawkeye selected after teammates Lukas Van Ness, Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta were also chosen.
“It’s a dream come true!” Moss said. “(It’s) crazy where hard work can get you!”
Moss initially joined the Iowa program as a grayshirt walk-on, but became a starter as a true freshman and eventually developed into an all-American. He was the 2021 Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.
Moss is versatile enough that he could be used at his natural cornerback position or could be moved to safety.
“Playing in the Big Ten, you’ve got to be a physical DB,” Moss said. “You’ve got to come up and make tackles. I think I’m a physical player. I think I’m instinctive, and I’m just a ball player, all around. I’m excited the Broncos gave me an opportunity.”
According to draft analyst Steve Muench, Moss “is a highly instinctive corner who reads the quarterback, diagnoses routes and plays the ball, not the man, in zone coverage. He matches up well with tight ends working out of the slot. He’s a natural hands catcher who tracks the ball well and high-points it in the air. As a run defender, he’s aggressive and shows some pop at the point of attack as a tackler.”
Moss visited with several NFL teams before the draft. He knew, however, that the Broncos were highly interested.
Denver traded the 108th overall pick and a 2024 third-round pick to Seattle in exchange for the pick that the Broncos used to take Moss.
“I visited there and had a great visit with those guys,” Moss said. “I’m pumped to be a Bronco!”
Moss becomes only the fourth Ankeny native to be selected in the NFL Draft. Pat Dunsmore was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1983 draft, Dennis Gibson was picked by the Detroit Lions in the eighth round of the 1987 draft, and Jon Leverenz was selected by the Washington Redskins in the 11th round three years later.