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Cardinals nearly drafted Abdullah, not Johnson

There will be some interesting parts to the Cardinals' 2015 season revealed now that "All or Nothing" is now available to stream on Amazon video. One is there right at the outset of the first episode. The cameras take you into the Cardinals' draft room when they are on the clock in the second round, all set to select Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah -- VP of player personnel Terry McDonough is literally on the phone with Abdullah -- when the Lions end up taking Abdullah the pick before Arizona. (The disappointment is palpable. It's a scene you have to watch play out.)

How much would've changed last season had the Abdullah pick been made? Without the ability to draft Abdullah, the Cardinals took outside linebacker Markus Golden in the second round. And then they went with running back David Johnson in the third round. Golden has already played his way into a probable starting job following a solid rookie season, while Johnson had 13 touchdowns as a rookie and is going to be the anchor for the Cards' running game in 2016.

Johnson, in fact, is a guy who the Cards' decision-makers feel can be a star in the NFL. Abdullah had a solid rookie year for the Lions too, but I'd guess the Cards would have no desire to flip Johnson for Abdullah right now. Johnson showed he can run the ball and his ability to catch is fantastic (Johnson made a grab on a wheel route during OTAs that had teammates marveling. In the offseason.)

Feels like this turned out pretty well for the Cardinals.

Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) is stopped by Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu, left, and strong safety Deone Bucannon, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
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