Smoke Monday brings plenty to Saints despite undrafted status

Quindarious “Smoke” Monday was a four-star prospect in the 2018 football recruiting class, considering Clemson, Florida State and Louisville before opting for Auburn. He was the eighth ranked safety in the class.

Recognized for his knockout hits on opponents, the former two-year starter at Auburn was a fierce tackler totaling 172 career stops including 17 for loss, 6.0 sacks, 11 pass deflections and five interceptions.

Monday returned an intereception 29 yards for a touchdown against rival Alabama in 2019. He took one to the house 100 yards against Tennessee in 2020. Last season, Monday had another interception returned 36 yards for a score against Georgia State. He recorded 10 tackles against Kentucky in the 2020 season opener and 12 stops against Ole Miss four weeks later.

Overall, the Atlanta played in 50 career contests with 25 starts on the Plains.

Monday has modeled his game after former LSU safety Jamal Adams, the current Seattle Seahawks who has twiced been named All-Pro, and the late NFL safety Sean Taylor. He’s active and seems to be everywhere, arriving with boundless energy.

The nickname “Smoke” seems to fit.

Monday received that moniker from his grandfather who died when he was 12 years old.

“I got it from my grandpa. I grew up as a grandpa’s boy,” the undrafted rookie free agent signee explained. “We used to run around the house a lot, so he gave me that nickname. When he passed, I just continued to use it to honor him.”

Facing SEC competition week in and week out has helped the rookie sharpen the skills of the 6-foot-3, 200-pound safety for the challenge of the NFL.

“I felt like it prepared me a lot. I faced a lot of great talent in the SEC, a lot of guys that play in the NFL. The SEC is like a mini-NFL. I’m still adapting to (the Saints) environment. There are a few things that are different. I’m just trying to get better everyday.”

His outstanding versatility was evident during his time at Auburn. Monday always looked to inflict punishment on a wide receiver or running back. He can anticipate routes as they develop in front of him but Monday will require more refinement on diagnosing ball fakes.

Thus far, the Saints have liked what they have seen during his brief tenure. “It’s not so much about what I did in college, but what I can do in the NFL. I just want to compete everyday, just do everything that the coaches ask me to do and get better every single day. I have to focus on my coverage skill, getting used to the speed of the game, work on my craft every single day.”

Monday has been viewed as adaptable with diverse skills. He could fill a variety of roles. Like most rookies, he’ll have to make a mark on special teams.

“Wherver they put me, wherever they want me to play. Definitely safety. Nickelback? Only time will tell.”

In addition to his physical skills, Monday always kept academics as a top priority. He was an Honor Roll student. “Without academics, I wouldn’t be in a position that I am today,” he said. “I wouldn’t be eligible to play college football. I always focused on ( academics) and went out and showed my God given talent.”

In his formative years, Monday kept tabs on the Saints because of their future Hall of Fame quarterback.

“I liked Drew Brees. I had a Drew Brees jersey. He was one of the best QB’s to ever play the game. He took the game serious. That’s the way I model my game, to soak in everything that I can.”

Monday does not lack confidence, making him a decent bet to make a mark in the NFL.

“I fit in with this defense. They’re aggressive, that’s my style. They grind, they play with passion for the game. That’s the way I play the game.”