Top Players To Watch in Friday Night’s NFL Preseason Games: Ronnie Bell, Dylan Laube, and Others

The final preseason game of the year carries a different type of importance for some players on the roster bubble.

With several players to watch for as many fight for their NFL lives, every play holds importance as roster cuts and Week 1 rapidly approaches.

Let’s discuss six players who, for various reasons, are worth watching on Friday night.

Top Players To Watch in Friday Night’s Preseason Action

Denzel Mims, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars

Since being a second-round pick by the New York Jets, it has been a rough start for Denzel Mims’ NFL career.

However, now in Jacksonville, Mims has one final chance to prove himself to make the team.

It’s clear he has talent, but will Mims ever pull it all together? Friday night may perhaps be the last real chance he gets to show it.

Taylor Heinicke, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons

We know who the top two quarterbacks in Atlanta are. For the present and future, Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. are the guys under center for the Falcons.

However, that leaves Taylor Henicke on the outside looking in, in some senses.

With his chances limited and perhaps capped to QB3 in Atlanta, could Friday night be a true audition for the scrappy veteran? Heinicke has been a fun story to watch since entering the league and has been one of the dudes who seems to rise to the occasion when given the chance.

Friday could be another one of those chances for Heinicke to show what he has to offer to the rest of the league. If all goes well, maybe he can be a valuable trade piece for the Falcons.

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Miami Dolphins

There is a lot of hype around Chop Robinson in Miami right now. With the young EDGE from Penn State looking to become a pivotal piece in the pass rush rotation, Friday night could provide him one final preseason opportunity to fine-tune his craft.

chop robinson untouched for a TFL pic.twitter.com/9ZLZWrjYNI

— josh houtz (@houtz) August 18, 2024

Robinson’s availability may be limited in the game, but he could see some action. And with the excitement around him mounting, those reps will be worth watching in the preseason finale.

Tykee Smith, Defensive Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Much like Robinson, there seem to be positive reports coming out of Tampa about defensive back Tykee Smith. The former Georgia Bulldog is versatile in his ability to play safety and the nickel, setting up a situation where he could be asked to do multiple things on Friday night.

Smith will factor into the Buccaneers’ secondary plan this season. And as a young player who is going to be asked to learn multiple spots, Smith may benefit from action on Friday night.

Tampa Bay’s secondary is full of veterans, but this rookie may get a chance to play a key role for the Bucs in 2024.

Ronnie Bell, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers’ wide receiver situation is fascinating at the moment. Brandon Aiyuk’s situation remains unresolved, and first-round pick Ricky Pearsall has dealt with injuries throughout camp.

One of the players who may be asked to pick up the slack is former Michigan star Ronnie Bell.

If the team was completely healthy and accounted for, Bell may not factor in as much. But that isn’t the case right now.

Current circumstances dictate that Bell may have an increased role at least early in the season, and this is his last chance to prepare himself for that type of opportunity.

Dylan Laube, Running Back, Las Vegas Raiders

As it stands, Dylan Laube is looking to be RB3 on the depth chart, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is a home run waiting to happen. Laube has game-changing ability coming from a small school, which has limited his national exposure.

Seven preseason touches for Round 6 Raiders rookie RB Dylan Laube.

I like his game. Can contribute on all three downs. Do you he sees much action in Year 1? pic.twitter.com/bezxVY0xNS

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 20, 2024

However, while others may be resting, Laube has the chance to shine on Friday night. With an impressive outing, Laube could show why he belongs in the rotation and get more touches this season than originally expected.