As Broncos don pads, Riley Moss, Pat Bryant among those stepping up their game

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos practices are just like games in one regard: The ball is going in the direction of Riley Moss.

And twice in a three-play span of a team period during Monday’s fully-padded practice, the ball found the fourth-year cornerback. Once, Bo Nix’s attempt ended in a deep connection to Pat Bryant — who himself is off to a terrific start in training camp.

But on the other, Moss got his first interception — and the first for the No. 1 defense — at training camp. It wouldn’t have stood in a game because the defense jumped offside, leading to a free play. Still, it was HOW Moss got the pick, taking the football from Courtland Sutton, on whom he had plaster coverage down the left sideline.

Including that, Moss has broken up at least one pass in each of the three training-camp sessions so far.

“Look, he knows obviously what type of attention he’s going to get relative to the routes, the route tree,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said.

“I think learning to play with his feet, really working on reducing some of those fouls. Man, he competes his tail off. Like, I love that about him. He’s got those traits where it’s a short mindset, short memory. And he’s moving around really well right now.”

BUT IT’S BEEN A BIG START FOR OTHER BRONCOS LIKE PAT BRYANT, TOO

The presence of Jaylen Waddle alters the complexion of the wide-receiver room, pushing everyone else not named Courtland Sutton potentially down a notch. But both Bryant and Marvin Mims Jr. have consistently made splash plays downfield.

Mims’ day was quieter than last Friday and Saturday, in part due to the Broncos’ emphasis those two days on third-down scenarios. Denver worked first- and second-down situations during much of Monday’s work.

Bryant has made catches to move the chains in each practice so far, including some explosive receptions like the one he had against Moss on Monday. But perhaps the most notable item regarding Bryant from the day was Payton’s suggestion that the second-year receiver could play both the “X” receiver spot and the slot.

“He has some of the better hands in traffic with his feet on the ground, he’s really good [at] run after the catch,” Payton said.

“I said this to you guys a year ago, he’s real smart. So he’s someone that can move from ‘X’ to the slot. It’ll be easy creating his role.”

And with both Bryant and Mims, they’re playing at a level that demands snaps and targets. The Broncos appear to have a nice problem on their hands at wide receiver: More talent than can adequately be satisfied.

For more on Monday’s practice — including standout moments from Nik Bonitto, Johnny Walker Jr., Que Robinson and Kage Casey — watch the embedded video.

Related

Jahdae Barron has not moved to safety, according to Sean PaytonSean Payton says he’ll give Davis Webb ‘some suggestions, some mandates’Broncos and Adam Trautman have been an ideal match, as his contributions go beyond on-field workPump the brakes on any bold Troy Franklin predictions in 2026Jahdae Barron should be on notice during Broncos training campBroncos Camp Day 2: Three big things from the day