Two 2022 3rd round picks drafted next to each other get traded on the same day

Flashback to the 2022 NFL Draft. In the third round of that year’s draft, the Tennessee Titans selected Liberty QB Malik Willis with the No. 86 overall pick. With the very next pick, the Arizona Cardinals tabbed San Diego State OLB Cameron Thomas in the third round.

On Monday, a day before the 2024 roster cutdown deadline, both players were traded away.

The Titans sent Willis to the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick. The dual-threat gunslinger started three games in two seasons, completing 53 percent of his passes and throwing three INTs with no TDs. Willis also ran for 123 yards and a touchdown, while also losing three fumbles.

Thomas is now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. The undersized pass rusher played in 32 games for Arizona, staying on the field for over 35 percent of the Cardinals defensive reps in 15 games in 2023. Thomas racked up 40 total tackles, three sacks (all in 2022) and a scoop-and-score fumble recovery. He was dealt for a future seventh-round pick; the year was not immediately specified.