Saints UDFA Smoke Monday is an appealing prospect to watch
By Jonny Camer
![INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 06: Smoke Monday #DB57 of the Auburn Tigers runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 06, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 06: Smoke Monday #DB57 of the Auburn Tigers runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 06, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fwhodatdish-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1391692659-850x560-4780d20b99e05d54c3c1229fa188e487.jpg)
After going undrafted, Smoke Monday was almost instantly signed by the New Orleans Saints. There was an instant buzz and love from fans after the signing, mostly because he threw shade at the Falcons.
Also, the cool name of the former Auburn Tiger can’t hurt his popularity. However, there is a lot to like about his game.
Why Saints UDFA Smoke Monday shows promise
What stood out to me about Monday was his 40-yard dash time. Ranking 12th out of all safeties tested, he ran a 4.52. This speed shows up on film as Monday plays with an incredible pace and speed.
The other thing that stands out about Monday is the incredible hits he’s made in his college career. Monday. Monday looks to impose damage on his opponents and he shows that with the swagger and passion he plays with.
Another thing I saw on tape that impressed me was his ball skills. Monday has had eight pass deflections and three interceptions in the past two years. He had a good knack for getting up with receivers and fighting to jar the ball loose.
It reminded me a lot of current Saints DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. That same grit and passion for football are present in both of them. Fans have fallen in love with Gardner-Johnson’s aggressive and intimidating style of presence on the field and this is very similar to Monday. He, like Gardner-Johnson, has that alpha dog mentality.
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While Monday likely won’t come in a be an instant starter, he could make a mark with this team; A plug-and-play safety off the bench that provides some spark.
Monday has the size and bend you would want from your prototypical safety. Monday presents a low-risk high, reward scenario for the Saints and fans should be excited for him to join this defense and potentially be a fun player to watch.