Arizona Cardinals: Ranking GM Steve Keim’s 10 best transactions

3. Drafting David Johnson

Keim wanted Ameer Abdullah at pick No. 86 in the 2015 NFL Draft, but the picks didn’t go Arizona’s way and they had to “settle” for David Johnson at the pick. In hindsight, Abdullah going to Detroit was the best thing that could’ve happened for the Cardinals. Johnson turned out to be a star, while Abdullah never gained traction in Motown.

Since entering the league in 2015, David Johnson has been a headache for opposing defensive coordinators. He’s the rare blend of a workhorse running back and efficient receiver out of the backfield. In 2016, he set the league ablaze as he tallied 2,000 scrimmage yards en route to an All-Pro nod.

In four seasons in the desert, Johnson’s rushed for 2,783 yards, piled up 1,849 receiving yards, and scored 42 scrimmage touchdowns. Though those stats are impressive, they become even more extraordinary once you factor in the fact that he’s played just 49 regular season games and has started only 38.

Johnson was simply a hit in the third round, and he figures to continue to be successful in the desert. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense will let Johnson do what he does best; exploit his elusivity, 6-foot-1, 224-pound as a zone runner and show off his chops as one of the best receiving backs in the league.