Madden ’06 led rookie to believe in Arizona

Guard Dorian Johnson was drafted by the Cardinals less than a month ago, but in one way, he feels like he’s been a part of the franchise for more than a decade now.

As a kid growing up in Belle Vernon, Pa., about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh, Johnson loved playing the Madden video game. In the ’06 version, Johnson had great success with the Cardinals via superstar career mode.

“I won the Super Bowl like seven times,” he said.

That’s one reason he didn’t get upset when he dropped in the draft due to a liver condition. That concern apparently caused some teams to pass on John-

son, who played at Pittsburgh. The Cardinals weren’t among them and felt fortunate to select him in the fourth round.

“I talked to everybody at Pittsburgh,” General Manager Steve Keim said on draft day.

“I have talked to our medical staff. We don’t foresee it being an issue, particularly in a guy that could have been taken quite a bit higher and someone that we were very excited about.”

Johnson’s liver condition, primary sclerosing cholangitis, can ultimately lead to needing a liver transplant, but Johnson said his is controlled by medication and a diet that includes avoiding alcohol.

After the scouting combine in late February, Johnson’s agent told him some teams had concerns, so it wasn’t a shock to Johnson when he lasted until the third day of the draft.

“I firmly believe in the fact that everything happens for a reason,” Johnson said. “I dropped a little bit because of my liver, but I ended up in a great situation. Great club, great players and I have an opportunity to learn.”

Right guard is the only position open on the Cardinals’ offensive line, although Evan Boehm appears to have a solid hold on the job. Johnson would push him, but serving as a backup seems a more likely role for him this season.

If the Cardinals’ evaluation of Johnson is right, he could become a starter in 2018. Left guard Mike Iupati will be 31 then and entering the final year of his contract. Rather than pay him $8 million, the Cardinals could decide to release Iupati and go with Johnson.

That’s a long way away, however, and Johnson first must prove he can do more with the Cardinals than win a Super Bowl in Madden.

“As a player, my mindset is I should be pushing for a starting position,” Johnson said. “I should hold myself to that standard. I am going to try to push to play as early as possible and help the team.”

Time for OTAs

The Cardinals hold the first of 10 “organized team activity” practices today. The voluntary sessions include veterans and most rookies. Safety Budda Baker is not able to participate because the University of Washington’s classes don’t end until June 9. NFL rules prohibit a rookie from participating until his school’s classes are over.

“I’m still going to be working hard,” said Baker, who is allowed to have contact with coaches and teammates.

Following the three weeks of organized team activities, the Cardinals will conduct a three-day mandatory minicamp, June 6-8. All of those practices are closed to the public.

They will then break until training camp begins in July. Training camp dates have not been announced.

Tryout signing

Rookie receiver Larry Clark, who tried out for the team during rookie minicamp last week, was signed. Clark, (6-feet-3-inches and 208) pounds appeared in five games last year for Colorado State-Pueblo. He had 22 catches for 248 yards and four touchdowns.

He played two seasons at San Diego State prior to transferring.

To this point, Clark is the only tryout player signed.