The reason why HBO's "Hard Knocks" gets green-lit every single year is because NFL fans love following unheralded players during training camp. We all know the superstars of every team, but those with their jobs actually on the line make the grind of camp compelling. These are the camp "darlings" we fall for on an annual basis.

Cincinnati Bengals training camp is no exception to this phenomena. Players who are virtually unknown heading into August suddenly become players who must make the roster. Breakout candidates are also thrusted into the spotlight for every positive rep they have.

It's the season of excitement, and that makes it easier to root for all who qualify.

As Bengals training camp kicks off this afternoon, here are four players who could be the next camp darlings of the fanbase. 

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WR Cole Burgess

Everyone, and I mean everyone, loves a good undrafted rookie receiver in Cincinnati. Jake Kumerow, Damion Willis, and Kendric Pryor are just a few recent names that captivated the love of fans before the real games began over the years. The name to watch for this year is Burgess, who might just be the most athletic rookie the Bengals have this year.

Following a 2023 season in which he set program records in all major receiving categories and became the most productive receiver in SUNY Cortland history, Burgess posted an incredible 1.43 10-yard split and jumped 137" in the broad jump and 41.5" in the vertical jump.

If his hands show up for practice, Burgess can cause some problems for Cincinnati's secondary. All it takes is a couple of highlight reel grabs to garner some attention.

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TE Tanner McLachlan

It was a tight end named Tanner who became a camp standout last year when Tanner Hudson emerged as the 2023 Bengals' best receiver at the position. McLachlan isn't likely to become that within the next month, but he might be the guy who boots Hudson off the roster if he looks developed enough as a rookie.

Cincinnati went from zero rostered tight ends in early March to having five that can feasibly make the initial 53-man roster if Erick All can get healthy in time. While All is out, McLachlan, Arizona's all-time leader in receptions for a tight end, will get reps right behind Hudson in what could end up being a competition for a roster spot.

McLachlan's smooth receiving ability could make him this year's Hudson.

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DE Myles Murphy

Murphy isn't exactly flying under the radar like Burgess and McLachlan are as rookies. Cincinnati's first-round pick from last year is locked in for a roster spot and is due for a big leap in his second season. 

Will a leap also occur in how much he plays on passing downs? That's the main question.

Defensive linemen typically end up looking better in practice compared to their offensive counterparts, especially in one-on-one drills. If Murphy is truly on track for that year two leap, he should show signs of in over the next few weeks and get fans clamoring to see more of him on the field. 

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DB Daijahn Anthony

Of the 10 draft picks Cincinnati made, Anthony might have the longest odds to actually make the team. He did a little bit of everything for an SEC defense in 2023, and he needs to do the same this month if he expects to make the Bengals' roster. Fortunately, he's got a great 

There isn't a single Bengals fan who doesn't love Mike Hilton, and the Bengals did their best to draft the next version of him. Anthony's journey from walking on at Division II Shepherd back in 2018, to being a productive starter at Hilton's alma mater Ole Miss five years later is nothing short of inspiring. 

The narrative is already in place. Anthony can become one of the best underdog stories of camp if his play is up to snuff. 

Answering the 5 most important questions heading into Cincinnati Bengals training camp

Will Joe Burrow take days off? How will the rotation at defensive tackle position look like? We’ll answer these questions and more.