The top 4 Detroit Lions camp darling candidates, two young edge rushers should gain a lot of notice

The Detroit Lions will be heading to camp in 16 days when rookies report on July 16. The vets will be in the building a few days late on July 19. Then the search for this year's camp darling gets going. 

If you're unfamiliar with what a camp darling is, it's the underdog or the under-the-radar guy who gains everyone's fandom after working hard. We listed our 10 favorite camp darlings on here earlier. 

Now it's time to talk about the five guys we think could be everyone's favorite camp darling this offseason. Here they are: 

WR Jackson Meeks

I think you're looking at a guy who can have that Isaiah Williams type camp from last year, Meeks is that guy. I believe he has a chance to make this 53-man roster over seventh-round pick Dominic Lovett due to the contested catch ability he brings. He's a lot like Kenny Golladay in terms of play style. He won't separate, but he'll make that catch. 

Edge Keith Cooper

Really wowed at rookie minicamp and then had a nice OTAs too. Now we're going to see what he can do when the pads come on. Making the 53-man roster at edge is going to be hard to do, but this guy could lock himself into a practice squad spot with a solid summer. 

Edge Isaac Ukwu

Ukwu was kind of a camp darling last year. He had a strong preseason and then got the chance to get two elevations during the regular season. We haven't seen him in a while, and if he can come in and build off the 2024 season, he could potentially make the 53-man roster. 

S Ian Kennelly

This is a fun story similar to Dylan Drummond's in 2023. Kennelly is a Michigan guy from Division II Grand Valley State. He showed out at the Lions' local pro day, and that got him signed by Detroit after the draft. 

He's going to be part of a big battle for that fourth safety spot with three other guys, and being that he's local, fans have reasons to get behind him.