Auburn football: 3 Tigers that could be drafted to NFL in 2022

Auburn football 2022 NFL Draft hopeful #3: Smoke Monday

Given Roger McCreary’s potentially impending NFL departure following the 2021 season, it’s only right that the other half of the dynamic defensive back duo, Smoke Monday, is also considered to be drafted next year as well.

After a stressful mass turnover of his coaching staff, the All-SEC safety had a very interesting statement when he declared his return to the Plains this past January:

"“… I would also like to thank Coach Harsin for being real with me and understanding the hardship that this team has went through and providing us the space to finish out the season. I believe he will do great things at Auburn. Last but not least I would like to give a special thanks to my teammates for believing in me.”"

The senior isn’t likely to make use of his extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic even if the Tigers somehow do the unthinkable and win the SEC. He’s been through a lot already, and he was apparently very close to declaring for the NFL Draft before deciding to give AU a fourth go-round:

"“My family and I have thought about this for a long time, so with that being said I will be returning to Auburn University for my senior season and will not be entering the 2021 NFL Draft.”"

Like McCreary, an improved record should improve his draft stock and likely earn him more money. Monday’s ability to pick off passes and turn them into points (two of his four career INTs were pick-6’s) should garner plenty of interest from pro scouts, especially considering the fact they came in high-profile SEC showdowns against Tennessee last season and in the 2019 Iron Bowl.