Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Swinging big edition

Carolina Panthers draft Riley Moss

• Cornerback | Iowa Hawkeyes

Injuries to both starting cornerbacks were costly to the Carolina Panthers in 2022. C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. were sometimes solid in relief of Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn, but multiple mistakes in important games is a sign to take a sturdy cornerback that can fit into the depth chart.

That cornerback is Riley Moss. The Iowa product completed his five-year college career with 11 interceptions and 26 passes defended, as well as two forced fumbles in his last campaign as a Hawkeye.

Moss will likely never be an elite player because of a lack of athleticism and fluidity. But he brings value with his ability to read and react in zone coverage – something the Panthers might need based on how Ejiro Evero ran his defense on the Denver Broncos.

The defensive back made numerous plays jumping routes and covering receivers one-on-one. Moss is also a willing tackler and is more than willing to get his hands dirty against plays on the outside.

His lack of range and top-end speed hold him back from being a great prospect. However, what Moss brings as a depth cornerback on a zone-focused defense is a good value at this stage of the draft for a team that needs to add another option.