Keshawn Banks earns top preseason grade before Atlanta Falcons release

Edge rusher Keshawn Banks recorded the highest Pro Football Focus grade among all Atlanta Falcons players during the preseason. Banks secured an 86.9 overall grade, bolstered by seven total pressures across 25 pass-rushing snaps and a 79.2 mark in run defense. Despite his performance, the team placed him on the roster with a waived/injured designation following the league's deadline. Atlanta currently manages personnel shortages at the edge position with Jalon Walker sidelined by a season-ending injury and James Pearce Jr. serving an eight-game suspension. Za'Darius Smith has joined the roster as the team attempts to address its depth concerns at the position. If his undisclosed injury is not long-term, the team may look to sign Banks to the practice squad.

• 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — PFF names Falcons' highest-graded preseason player