As rookies report to training camp today, who do you think will be this year’s Detroit Lions camp darling?
We’re finally here. NFL training camp has already kicked off for some teams, and Detroit Lions camp starts soon, with rookies reporting on Saturday, veterans reporting on Tuesday, July 23, and the Lions’ first full practice starting on Wednesday, July 24. One of my favorite traditions that happens every year is when fans start to fall in love with a fringe player who puts on a show during camp and makes a strong case to make the final 53-man roster. We tend to call these players “training camp darlings.”
Today’s Question of the Day is…
Who will be the 2024 Detroit Lions training camp darling?
My answer: There are a lot of options to choose from this year, with the roster being pretty stacked and competition brewing at every position. One of the most fun competitions to keep an eye on this year will be at wide receiver, and I think the battle for the final one or two spots is going to be a good one. Some names to watch here are Isaiah Williams, Kaden Davis, Tre’Quan Smith, Tom Kennedy, and Maurice Alexander.
Davis is a guy that I really think could emerge as this year’s camp darling because he had a knack for making big plays during OTAs, and if he can bring that same energy into camp, then he might have a real shot. Davis also adds value as a special teamer with some experience as a returner.
Isaiah Williams is also a contender not just because of the guaranteed money he was handed by the Lions (second-most as a UDFA) , but because of his impressive athleticism, leadership, and special teams experience. And we can’t forget about Tom Kennedy, who seems to make a case every year as the Lions’ camp darling but ran into some unfortunate injury luck last year.
On defense, I think Mathieu Betts is a good bet to turn some heads once the pads come on. Betts was very productive in the CFL last year as the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive player and could give the Lions some juice off the edge as a SAM LB if he can manage to beat out someone like James Houston.
All of these players have their work cut out for them and there are plenty of others to choose from. Let’s hear from you. Who do you think will become this year’s training camp darling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.