Former University of Maine football standouts and pro football rookies Mike DeVito and Daren Stone survived the final preseason roster cuts to make the NFL rosters.

Stone is Atlanta’s backup strong safety behind starter and former New England Patriot Lawyer Milloy. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Falcons. DeVito, an undrafted free agent, is listed third on the New York Jets’ unofficial depth chart at right defensive end. The former UM tackle had a sack and two tackles against Philadelphia in a Thursday preseason game.

Other Black Bears fighting for NFL roster spots were less successful. Wide receiver Kevin McMahan was one of the last 21 players released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday.

Undrafted free agent linebacker Matt King was released by Pittsburgh last month.

Meanwhile, other former Maine stars are extending their pro careers. Offensive tackle Mike Flynn is beginning his 10th season with the Baltimore Ravens at center. Stephen Cooper is now a starting inside linebacker for San Diego after being a backup and special teams regular the last four seasons. Former Bears tailback Montell Owens is a special teams mainstay in his second season for Jacksonville. Brandon McGowan enters his third NFL season as the No. 2 strong safety on the Chicago Bears’ depth chart. He spent much of last season on injured reserve.

Sunday was the final cutdown day for NFL teams to reach the league-mandated 53-player roster limit.