After going undrafted, [autotag]Smoke Monday[/autotag] has agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. It was first reported by NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. Many expected Monday to be a late-round pick, but it appears that he will be heading to New Orleans to earn a spot on the team.
Monday came to the Tigers as a four-star recruit out of high school. The Georgia native was certainly a workhorse over the years for the Tigers. The past two seasons, Monday has been a starter on defense. In 2020, he was named to the AP All-SEC second team. Prior to his senior season, he was named on several watch lists. Two of the more notable watch lists that he was listed on were the Jim Thorpe Award and the Bronco Nagurski Trophy.
Over the span of three seasons on the Plains, Monday recorded 172 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and five interceptions. His ability to play a hybrid linebacker/safety role will likely help him with the Saints. He can walk down in the box or play over the top. Either way, the Saints are getting an athletic and experienced safety. It is also worthy to mention that he is one of the hardest-hitters in Auburn history. It will be interesting to see how the Saints choose to utilize Monday.
Former Auburn safety Smoke Monday is signing with the #Saints, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022