While some debate the importance of preseason, players battling for roster spots have a different outlook. They have a chance to showcase their talent to secure a job. For every surprise performer who inches toward a slot on the depth chart, a veteran moves closer to the cut line.
Although head coaches won't publicly say this, they're not expecting a sixth-round pick to outplay a veteran, but most players have to earn their spots on the regular-season roster, which creates open competition and opportunity.
At times, veteran experience holds more value than raw talent for teams with playoff or Super Bowl aspirations.