The Landry Hat
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Dallas Cowboys vs. Raiders: 5 players to watch

By Steven Mullenax

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate on the sidelines after Smith's tackle against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate on the sidelines after Smith's tackle against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 19: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate on the sidelines after Smith’s tackle against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 19: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate on the sidelines after Smith’s tackle against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

JAYLON SMITH, LINEBACKER

Although I believe there are several roster bubble players Cowboys fans should keep an eye on in this matchup against the Oakland Raiders, let’s be honest. It’s going to be hard not to watch Jaylon Smith when he’s on the field Saturday night.

After making a joyous debut against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend, Smith will now go about the task of preparing to make an impact in the regular season. The preseason matchup against the Raiders will be another step towards that goal.

Prior to playing 12 snaps and recording one tackle against the Colts, the Cowboys 2016 second round selection spent his entire rookie season sidelined due to a devastating knee injury. Due to the nerve damage he suffered, some believe Smith would never play football again. That’s why his debut in a Cowboys uniform was so emotional.

The 22-year old Smith continues his journey of recovery this Saturday against the Raiders, as he’s essentially a rookie still trying to get his legs underneath him. There is a tremendous amount of hype and hope surrounding the young linebacker and so far he’s exceeded expectations.

At this point, Jaylon Smith is a must watch anytime he takes the field.

Next: Should the Dallas Cowboys make a play for Kony Ealy?

So, those are my five Dallas Cowboys players to watch against the Oakland Raiders Saturday night. Did I miss someone you’ll be keeping a close eye on in Dallas’ fourth preseason contest of the exhibition season? Tell us who in our comment section below.

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