The opportunity they provide for live but controlled reps, drills, orchestrated situations, etc. are hugely valuable to both veteran and younger players. I'm not a fan of the 17th game thing but the shift to 3 preseason games and multiple joint practices between teams is a plus. I hope the Rams get 2 days with the Raiders in addition to this one with Dallas. They should start having 1-2 with the Chargers every August too.
The days when starters would play 6-8 quarters during the preseason are long gone so these really help fill that void.
