Dolphins vs. Cowboys: Youngsters Who Impressed in Final Preseason Showdown

Dallas Cowboy Alex Albright is playing his way to an NFL career. The second-year linebacker continued his fine preseason performance in his team's final preseason game. 

And that is what the final preseason game is all about. Fringe players trying to make a name for themselves. Sure, there are things coaches will try to specifically work on, but for the most part, the final preseason game is about keeping starters healthy and evaluating players for the final roster spots. 

So with that in mind, let's take a look at the Cowboys-Dolphins preseason game in the scope of which youngsters turned some coaches' heads. Oh, and in case you care about this kind of thing, the Cowboys cruised to a 30-13 victory. 

Alex Albright, Cowboys, LB

Albright has been shining this preseason, and the final game was no different. He led all players with 11 tackles in the game, and that included a sack and a tackle for loss. 

This is just the continuation of him displaying his worth. He has been playing outside and inside linebacker, and is showing he can handle both jobs in a pinch. 

Albright made the Cowboys last season, but was limited to special teams duty. He is making a serious case to not only hold onto his roster spot, but get some playing time with the defense. 

Pat Devlin, Dolphins, QB

With the Dolphins entering training camp with Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore and David Garrard all under QB on the depth chart, Pat Devlin didn't figure to have much of a shot at making the roster. 

After going undrafted in the 2011 draft, Devlin, out of Delaware, was signed by the Dolphins and wound up spending the season on their practice squad. 

He may actually make the roster now. Devlin went 7-for-12 in this game for 63 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. 

These are not eye-popping numbers by any stretch of the imagination, but Devlin was not overwhelmed, and showed there could be worse options for a No. 3 QB. 

He is cheaper than Garrard, and obviously has a lot more upside at this point in their careers. I think he will make the roster. 

Daniel Thomas, Dolphins, RB

If you caught the last episode of HBO's Hard Knocks, you were privy to Daniel Thomas getting called into coach Joe Philbin's office and then given a stern warning by the coach when he was there.

Thomas was late for weightlifting and the week before he was late for the plane and not in accordance with the dress code. Philbin made it clear that he did not want to have that kind of conversation with the running back again.

Thomas' performance on the field is going to ease Philbin's disappointment. He was running hard and looked explosive, and he had 31 yards on his five carries to show for it.