Raiders 2022 Draft: 5 late-round prospects that can elevate the Raiders

Raiders 2022 Draft: 5 late-round prospects that can elevate the Raiders

Smoke Monday, S, Auburn

The Las Vegas Raiders need to be able to cover the weakness Johnathan Abram has in coverage, without sacrificing too much against the run. My personal choice for such a task would be Jabrill Peppers, due to his skill set and familiarity with Graham. Still, I’m not sure if there’s any mutual interest there, so safety nets must be made.

Smoke Monday, hailing from Auburn, has the potential to be a great split-safety at the NFL level. He plays well against the run, has coverage skills, and makes things happen. Smoke has had five interceptions through his four years at Auburn, but even more impressively, he was able to take three of those five picks to the house.

This allowed him to post a sensational 39.2 yards per INT average.

Monday can also get to the quarterback, as shown in his 6 sacks. He’s recorded a sack every year, as well as at least 2 tackles behind the line. Altogether, he’s met ball carriers in the backfield where he’s brought them down 17 times.

Despite primarily playing safety, Monday has lined up everywhere in the secondary. He has the versatility that Patrick Graham loves, and the skillset the Raiders need. He almost has that Divine Deablo feel to him – College defensive back that can play linebacker well at the next level.