Here are a few things to know about the final open practice of Atlanta Falcons training camp on Sunday morning.
Sunday was Military Day
The Falcons honored military men and women during Sunday’s practice at the team’s Flowery Branch practice facility.
The Falcons lined up before practice began for the national anthem and a speech to the crowd by coach Dan Quinn. Quinn dedicated Sunday’s practice to those who serve and have served in the United States military.
Linebacker Jermaine Grace makes huge pick
Rookie linebacker Jermaine Grace impressed at the end of training camp on Sunday with a pick on the final play of 11-on-11 practice.
Quinn said Grace’s speed has jumped out at him during camp and he was “anxious” to see if the former Miami linebacker could be a contributor on special teams.
"Jermaine's going for it in every way,” Quinn said. “He's got the ideal coach to help somebody develop at linebacker. If I had a son, I'd want him to play for (linebackers coach) Jeff Ulbrich. He's that type of leader, that type of teacher and so there couldn’t be a better spot for a guy to come in and learn.”
Quinn impressed by the offensive line
Quinn said he was impressed by the offensive line in camp on Sunday morning, especially in how they performed in the run game.
"I was looking for a real intent in the run game and I saw a few of those take place where there were some good room for (Freeman) especially on a couple runs,” Quinn said. “I thought the last camp they did a good job in the last camp of blocking and screening the offensive line.”
Quinn said running backs Brian Hill and Terron Ward caught his attention for the running back spot during the drills as well.
Swing tackle spot competition “wide open”
The Falcons swing tackle position is unclaimed, Quinn told media after Sunday’s practice.
Quinn said second-year offensive lineman Kevin Graf has been a contender and has been the “lead dog” the competition, although the spot is still unclaimed. Daniel Brunskill was another player who Quinn said is being considered for swing tackle.
"We're letting it rip seeing as we get into the games for a better evaluation so it's an important time for these guys to put their best foot forward and go for it but (offensive line coach Chris Morgan) is doing a nice job with moving guys right tackle, left tackle,” Quinn said. “As a swing person, you'd have to have the versatility to play both sides."
Depth at tight end
There are currently six tight ends on the Falcons roster including returning tight ends from last season’s 53-man roster Austin Hooper, Levine Toilolo and Josh Perkins.
Out of the other three competitors, Alex Gray, Darion Griswold and Eric Saubert, Quinn noted how coaches have noticed Saubert’s speed.
"We have this big battle going on with (Saubert), (Perkins) and they're both different and how do we feature them,” Quinn said. “I've been impressed by Saub so far. Can't wait to get him in and I think you have a little on special teams based on his speed... He's the type of kid to keep coming on and keep coming.”
Quinn noted how Hooper, a second-year tight end out of Stanford who earned significant playing time when tight end Jacob Tamme suffered a season-ending injury last season, has mentored Saubert during camp.
Saubert is a rookie out of Drake.
The Falcons have two practices and a walkthrough before the first exhibition game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday at 7 p.m.
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