Denver Broncos Training Camp (Aug 2025): Bo Nix, Riley Moss & Troy Franklin shine. See who's winning key position battles as the Broncos build on 2024.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The pads were popping and the competition was fierce on Day 9 of Broncos training camp, as both sides of the ball traded blows in a session that offered a clearer picture of the team's trajectory. Quarterback Bo Nix continued his impressive development, looking more comfortable and in command than ever before. But the day's biggest story unfolded in the secondary, where second-year corner Riley Moss is making a powerful case to be a locked-in starter, outshining his first-round competition.
Riley Moss has not only staved off competition from rookie Jahdae Barron but has also added muscle to improve durability, solidifying his role as a key winner of camp so far.
Bo Nix is looking every bit the part of a franchise quarterback in his second year. Reports from Monday's practice highlighted his improved command of the offense, quicker memorization of plays, and enhanced communication with his teammates. He's building a strong rapport with rookie standout Troy Franklin, who continues to be a consistent playmaker. The offense also benefits from the anticipated impact of new tight end Evan Engram, whose athleticism is expected to provide a much-needed boost to a position group that was one of the league's worst last season. This offensive cohesion is a welcome sight for a team looking to build on its 2024 wild-card appearance.
The most compelling position battle is at cornerback, and Riley Moss is running away with it. After a solid rookie year, Moss has returned bigger, stronger, and more confident, consistently outperforming first-round pick Jahdae Barron in drills. His lockdown performance on Monday has all but solidified his starting spot opposite Pat Surtain II. While Moss is ascending, other defensive backs like Mario Goodrich and Ja’Quan McMillian struggled to keep pace, highlighting that while one starting job seems settled, the depth of the secondary is still being tested.
Beyond the headliners, other players are making their mark. Undrafted linebacker Levelle Bailey has been a revelation, consistently flying to the ball and earning a reputation as one of camp's biggest winners. On the veteran side, D.J. Jones remains the immovable anchor of the defensive line, with his leadership and run-stuffing ability being crucial for the defense's success. However, not all the news was positive. Linebacker Drew Sanders, who is transitioning to a new role, was cited as an underperformer, indicating his adjustment is still a work in progress.
After a 10-7 finish and a wild-card berth in 2024, the Broncos are looking to take the next step. Analysts are cautiously optimistic, with some predicting a 9-8 record against a challenging schedule. The front office's moves to add tight end Evan Engram and rookie running back RJ Harvey were designed to give Nix more weapons and create a more balanced attack. With the preseason schedule looming, the team is focused on refining its schemes and solidifying these key roster spots before the real games begin.
As Day 9 wraps, the identity of the 2025 Broncos is taking shape. The growth of Bo Nix and the emergence of players like Riley Moss are injecting real optimism into the fanbase. While questions remain, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker, the intensity of these camp battles is exactly what this team needs to sharpen itself for a tough schedule. All eyes will now turn to the upcoming preseason games, which will be the true test of whether this training camp buzz can translate into on-field success.
