Three must-watch Cowboys in final preseason game

The Dallas Cowboys host the Las Vegas Raiders in their final preseason game of 2023 on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Here are three must-watch players for Dallas.

Mazi Smith, defensive tackle 

The rookie defensive tackle has struggled throughout the preseason, only recording one tackle in two games. During a 22-14 loss to Seattle, Pro Football Focus gave Smith a grade of 27, the worst of any player. 

"You look at the way he graded out, there were some plays he can definitely learn from," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said of his performance, per The Athletic's Jon Machota and Saad Yousuf.

While it's too early to label the 22-year-old as a bust, he must show more. The Cowboys have high expectations for the former Michigan Wolverine. The 26th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft is the first DT the franchise has selected in the first round since Russell Maryland in 1991. He needs a strong showing against the Raiders to regain momentum.

Markquese Bell, safety

Bell looked like a solid backup safety in two preseason games, with six tackles and one pass deflection. However, the Cowboys might need to see him as a linebacker. Promising rookie DeMarvion Overshown suffered a season-ending ACL tear, weakening their depth at LB.

Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn occasionally uses safeties as LBs to minimize injury problems. Bell indicated he's willing to do this.

"If they need me to play linebacker, safety, hybrid, I'm willing to do whatever," the 24-year-old said in a Wednesday news conference.

Rico Dowdle, running back

Dowdle climbed the depth chart this offseason with a solid performance throughout training camp and the preseason. In two contests, he rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries and caught five receptions for 42 yards and a TD. 

"I love his running style. He runs angry," McCarthy said of the 25-year-old following the loss to Seattle.

Dowdle's rugged running style secured his roster spot, but another strong preseason performance against the Raiders will increase his role. The team needs a power back it can count on in short-yardage situations after it released RB Ezekiel Elliott. Dowdle's emergence could give the Dallas backfield the right blend of power and speed.