Despite losing to the Jets on Thursday night, several players stood out for the Falcons, including linebacker Jermaine Grace and tight end Jaeden Graham.
As general manger Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn get closer to finalizing their 53-man roster, these two players continue to make a case for themselves.
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This wouldn't be the first time Grace has earned a spot on the 53-man roster in Atlanta if it were to happen. After signing with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent coming out of the University of Miami, he made the team in 2017.
Grace played in five games during the 2017 season before being cut. He then bounced around three different teams: Indianapolis, Cleveland and Seattle.
He was then re-signed to Atlanta's practice squad where he spent majority of the 2018 season.
Grace is making the most of his opportunity this preseason. Duke Riley and Foye Oluokun suffered injuries that made them miss time and Grace has seen increased reps.
Against the Dolphins, Grace picked off Josh Rosen and returned it 19 yards, making a play that has thus far been one of the best of the preseason.
He followed his strong performance up with another against the Jets in Atlanta's third preseason game. Grace led the Falcons in tackles with six on the night.
Jaeden Graham’s position is an interesting one. His position group is crowded with Austin Hooper, Luke Stocker and Logan Paulsen all having necessary roles in the Falcons' offense. Hooper is Atlanta's No.1 tight end while Stocker and Paulsen were brought in to help serve as blocking tight ends.
This isn't stopping Graham from making a case for himself, as well. Graham led the Falcons in receiving yards against the Jets with four catches for 55 yards.
Quinn clearly likes what Graham can bring to his team given he spent the 2018 season on Atlanta's practice squad.
Where Grace and Graham end up is to be determined at this point but there's no denying their stock is definitely on the rise.
