Three must-watch Raiders in final preseason game

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

Tre Tucker, wide receiver

The rookie wideout looked like a potential steal during training camp, but he was inconsistent in Las Vegas' first two preseason games. Although the third-round pick hauled in four receptions for 81 yards, he only caught 40 percent of his targets (10) and muffed a kickoff return—which he recovered—in a 34-17 win against the Rams.

"Either they do it right or learn from the mistake," Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels said of Tucker in a Sunday news conference."So he had a couple of things offensively and then one play in the kicking game where I'm sure he's going to learn from that."

Tucker's spot on the roster is secure, but he must avoid simple mistakes to earn more playing time. If he polishes his game, he could bolster a loaded WR room with six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams.

Amik Robertson, cornerback

Even though Robertson started in seven games last season, he's a potential cut candidate. He faces more competition, as the Raiders signed CB Marcus Peters to a one-year deal this offseason and drafted Jakorian Bennett in the fourth round (No. 104 overall.)

"How impressive has Bennett been in making his case to start opposite Marcus Peters?" wrote ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "Bennett did not play in the Raiders' exhibition against the Rams, a luxury usually afforded starters."

Furthermore, Roberston is undersized (5-foot-8, 187 pounds), contributing to his preseason pass-coverage struggles. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed four receptions for 62 yards in two preseason contests, the team's second-highest figure. He must bounce back in Dallas to retain his roster spot.

Aidan O'Connell, quarterback

O'Connell, a fourth-round pick (No. 135) out of Purdue, exceeded expectations throughout the preseason. He completed 26-of-36 passes for 304 yards in two games with two TDs and no interceptions. Also, he's outplayed Brian Hoyer, a veteran entering his 16th season.

"O'Connell's impressive play in two exhibitions has put him in a position to possibly supplant Brian Hoyer as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup." wrote Gutierrez. "O'Connell has been the most impressive rookie quarterback in preseason, for what's that worth."

Las Vegas should promote the 24-year-old to QB2 since he's younger than Hoyer (37 years old) and holds more potential. Another impressive preseason showing against the Cowboys will strengthen his case and help him secure the backup job.