Denver Broncos’ ‘clear vision’ for Iowa DB Riley Moss keeps him at cornerback

IOWA CITY — Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has a “clear vision” for Riley Moss, and that vision is at cornerback.

Payton’s comments squashed any media speculation about Moss potentially moving to safety at the NFL level.

It also means that the former Iowa standout will likely be in a competition for a starting cornerback spot with Damarri Mathis on the side opposite of Pat Surtain II.

Mathis, a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, started in 11 games as a rookie. Quarterbacks had a 70.8 percent completion rate and a 96.7 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus.

Moss was one of Denver’s “target players” in the draft after he “aced the offseason.”

“We feel like he’s a quality player,” Broncos general manager George Paton said. “He’s going to help us. … We spent a lot of time with this player.”

Denver put significant weight in some of prospects’ non-quantifiable traits for its second-day selections, which included Moss.

“How’s the football character? How’s the off-field character?” Paton said. “That is huge. … “Sean (Payton) stressed that from the day he and I met — makeup. And we feel like all three players have great makeup.”

The Broncos paid a premium for Moss, giving up an early fourth-round pick and future third-rounder to trade up for the 83rd spot. (They also traded up for Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. on Friday.)

“We just didn’t want to lose those players,” Paton said. “We just felt they were a really good value for where we took them.”

Moss met with the Broncos at the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine and in Denver before the draft. He will be working with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who came to the Broncos from Arizona this offseason.

“I like the entire defensive staff,” Moss said, via The Denver Post. “They’ve got a great defense in Denver, and that’s what excited me about being able to visit them for my 30 visit.”

He will be part of a defense highlighted by safety Justin Simmons, cornerback Pat Surtain II and linebackers Randy Gregory and Josey Jewell.

“I love being part of a defense where everyone does their job, everyone knows what they’re doing and they fly around and make plays,” Moss said. “That’s what Denver does, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com