Saints mock draft: Dennis Allen era begins with first-round stud

Round 4: Pick 117 – Channing Tindall, LB (Georgia)

For their final two picks in this mock draft, New Orleans shifts their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Their first pick in the fourth round is Georgia’s Channing Tindall, who could be a potential replacement for Kwon Alexander if he’s not retained.

Tindall finished the 2021 season with 67 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. The National Champion might not be an immediate contributor on the Saints’ defense, but as I previously mentioned, Alexander is hitting free agency. If he’s not retained, Tindall is a candidate to fill in for Alexander, who was a pretty big part of the defense.

Even if Alexander opts to return, I’d still be on board with adding a linebacker in the draft. Demario Davis and Pete Werner are both monsters but Zack Baun hasn’t panned out. Tindall could be another attempt at getting a dominant linebacker in the draft.

Round 4: Pick 139 – Smoke Monday, S (Auburn)

If Marcus Williams leaves in free agency, the Saints will have a tough time finding someone capable of filling his shoes. Smoke Monday of Auburn won’t be the second coming of Williams but he’d be a nice fit in this secondary.

Monday totaled 63 tackles (9.0 for loss), five defended passes, two sacks, and one interception that he took back the other way for a touchdown. This guy makes plays and he’d be an amazing addition to the Saints secondary even if they don’t lose Williams.

I’m all for the Saints continuing to make sure their defense is top-notch and Smoke Monday would be proof that they’re doing just that.

How would you feel if the first four rounds of the draft played out this way for the Saints?