Moss Shines, Vets Return as Broncos Hit Mid-Camp Stride

• Riley Moss has solidified a starting cornerback role, outperforming first-round pick Jahdae Barron.
• The defense received a major boost with key veteran leaders returning to practice from injury.
• Second-year players Bo Nix and Troy Franklin are developing strong on-field chemistry.
• Linebacker Levelle Bailey is emerging as a standout and making a case for significant playing time.
• Drew Sanders, Mario Goodrich, and Ja’Quan McMillian are having underwhelming camps and face pressure to perform.

Two weeks into training camp, the Denver Broncos are starting to look like a team with a clear identity and growing confidence. While quarterback Bo Nix commands the offense with second-year poise, the biggest story is in the secondary, where Riley Moss isn't just competing for a spot—he's seizing it. As the team gets key defensive leaders back from injury, the pieces are falling into place ahead of their first preseason test this weekend.

Riley Moss has solidified his starting role by outperforming first-round pick Jahdae Barron.

Camp Battles: The Winners and Losers

The competition at Dove Valley is fierce, and clear winners are emerging. Second-year corner Riley Moss has been the talk of camp, decisively winning the starting job over first-round rookie Jahdae Barron with lockdown coverage. On offense, the chemistry between Bo Nix and fellow second-year standout Troy Franklin is undeniable, while linebacker Levelle Bailey is making a strong case for significant playing time. However, not everyone is shining. Linebacker Drew Sanders and defensive backs Mario Goodrich and Ja’Quan McMillian have had underwhelming camps and will need a strong preseason to secure their roles.

Health Update: The Cavalry Has Arrived

The defense received a massive boost this week as the heart of the unit returned to full practice. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Alex Singleton, along with safety P.J. Locke, are back to full participation after missing offseason work. Their return brings veteran leadership and stability to a defense that will be critical for navigating a tough schedule. On the other side of the ball, running back J.K. Dobbins and receiver Devaughn Vele are also back, though the coaching staff will be monitoring their snaps. A healthy roster heading into the preseason is exactly the momentum the team needs.

High Hopes Meet a Tougher Road

Coming off a 10-7 wild-card season, expectations are high, but the path forward is challenging. Analyst Ben Arthur projects a 9-8 finish, pointing to a tougher 2025 schedule and the increased pressure on Bo Nix to elevate his game. The schedule release confirms this, with multiple prime time showdowns, including a Thursday night game against the Raiders and a Sunday night visit to Washington. The revamped secondary, led by the emerging Moss, will be under the microscope against the elite quarterbacks of the AFC West.

First Test: Countdown to Kickoff vs. 49ers

The time for practice reps is nearly over. The Broncos will kick off their 2025 preseason schedule this Saturday, August 9, with a marquee matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Bo Nix is confirmed as the starter in what will be a crucial first look at the new-look offense, which now features veteran tight end Evan Engram and rookie running back RJ Harvey. The game will be broadcast nationally, with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET, giving fans across the country a chance to see if the Broncos are ready to build on last year's success.

With key veterans back in the fold and young players stepping up, the energy is palpable. The real test, however, arrives this Saturday. The preseason clash against the 49ers will be our first glimpse of whether this training camp buzz is the real deal. All eyes will be on Bo Nix and the revamped secondary as they face their first live-fire test of 2025. The road back to the playoffs starts now.