Once considered an NFL Draft bust, this second-year breakout star is on pace for a Broncos franchise record

A sports hernia robbed Riley Moss from establishing himself as a trustworthy option in the early part of his rookie season, but that didn't stop fans from taking their frustrations out on the 2023 third-round pick. Playing only 23 defensive snaps as the Broncos desperately sought out cornerback help, it appeared as though the former Iowa cornerback was simply out of his depth.

This would've been a major issue for the Broncos, already lacking draft picks after the Russell Wilson deal. They traded their 108th overall pick in 2023 and a 2024 third-round pick for the 83rd overall pick from Seattle. In turn, they selected Moss.

Moss was a great player at Iowa, logging 11 interceptions and 37 pass breakups over three seasons. He made First-Team All-America in 2021 and became a First-Team All-Big Ten member in 2022.

With his injury in the past, Moss has quickly taken to being a starter across from Patrick Surtain II. He's played almost 98 percent of defensive snaps and is on pace to set a Broncos franchise record in tackles. With 33 tackles in five games, he leads the entire team.

But this mark is also well above any previous cornerback who has played for Denver. Darrent Williams and Champ Bailey each had 86 in 2006.

Beyond just a tackling machine, Moss has been quite good in coverage. He's allowed 21 completions on 36 targets for only 211 yards and one touchdown. Moss has one interception and four pass breakups, plus a forced fumble.

Last year, Taron Johnson led cornerbacks with 98 tackles, and it's quite rare for corners to reach that number. However, the increase in plays run and the number of formations with defenders moving around the field have made it a little easier. Most of the time, safeties have double or triple the number of tackles as corners.

Nevertheless, so much for being a bust. This is a great reminder to stay patient with young players as they settle in and deal with the numerous on and off-field issues that can delay their impact.