NFL Draft prospects from Philly area hope to hear their names called

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There are a number of NFL Draft prospects who call the Philadelphia area home.

A promise made to a father. A walk-on becoming a team leader. Being awarded the Temple Tough single-digit jersey number. A thank you to a superhero mom.

These are some of the stories of how these young men got this far.

Watch the 2021 NFL Draft live on 6abc starting Thursday at 8 p.m.

Florida tight end Kyle Pitts could make some draft history this week. If Atlanta picks the Philadelphia native at No. 4 overall, he will be highest drafted tight end in the common draft era.

The 6'6, 246 pound receiver, a graduate from Archbishop Wood High School, "will bring positional versatility to an NFL club," ESPN says.

Pitts transferred to Archbishop Wood High School after his sophomore year and moved from quarterback to tight end.

In 2020, Pitts won the John Mackey award for top TE and earned the Associated Press first-team All-American honors.

The only time a tight end was picked in the top five came in 1972, when Denver took Riley Odoms fifth overall. Odoms was a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler with 396 catches in 12 seasons.

Just 15 tight ends in all have gone in the top 10 in the draft since 1967, with the players to do it in the past 25 drafts being T.J. Hockenson (eighth to Detroit in 2019), Eric Ebron (10th to Detroit in 2014), Vernon Davis (sixth to San Francisco in 2006), Kellen Winslow Jr. (sixth to Cleveland in 2004) and Ricky Dudley (ninth to the Raiders in 1996).

The 6'5, 220-pound Temple University wide receiver scored three touchdowns in his final season, finishing with a total of 15 for his college career. He ended his Temple run with 131 receptions and 1,1819 yards.

In 2019, he was awarded #1 at the beginning of summer practice. Temple awards single-digit jerseys to the toughest players on the team.

The Cheltenham High School grad is now trying to catch on in the NFL, either as a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent.

Despite 50 receivers ranked ahead of him, his attitude is still optimistic.

"That just drives me to go harder each and every day. Let's prove them wrong. That's just experts saying that this guy is better than you. I don't believe what they say," said Mack. "I want to be pretty dominant in the NFL. I just don't want to be a regular wide receiver. I want to be dominant."

Mack gets his passion and drive from his father Daryl, who never saw him play at Temple University. He died of a heart attack in the spring of 2017, just months before his college debut.

One of the last things Mack says he told his father was, "Dad, I'm going to make it to the NFL."

Action News sports reporter Jeff Skversky has more on Branden Mack.

The 6'6, 300-pound Temple defensive tackle Daniel Archibong earned his degree in criminal justice. He someday wants to work in tech for the FBI, but right now his eyes are set on the NFL.

The Springfield High School grad set a new career-high in tackles with six in the season opener at Navy.

He blocked one kick in both 2018 and 2019.

In 2019, he was awarded the Temple Tough #6 during summer practices, from his previous #95.

NFL's analysis says Archibong is "first to land hands most of the time."

Shaka Toney is proud of where he comes from.

"That Philly demeanor where, you're making it out of here, you've got a certain type of toughness that you're built for no matter what's coming at you in life," Toney said.

The 6'2, 242 pound Imhotep Charter High School grad and star Penn State pass rusher hopes to hear his name called in the NFL Draft.

He led Imhotep to a state title in his senior year.

"I've done my homework. I've gone up against the best. I just feel, can you put some respect on my name, please? I'm from Philly, I'm built for this," said Toney.

The youngest of five was raised by his mom Debbie, who worked two jobs to provide for the family after his father passed away when he was only 2 years old.

"It was her, night after night, day after day that was there for me and my siblings," Toney recalled. "My mom, that's my superhero, that's my superwoman. She's my mom and my dad, and I can't thank her any more."

Read more of Action News sports reporter Jamie Apody's profile on Shaka Toney.

The 6'3, 305 pound center from Huntingdon Valley earned All-Philadelphia Catholic League honors as a junior and senior at La Salle College High School.

Morrissey began his time in Pittsburgh as a walk-on.

"From walk-on to four-year starter and two-time team captain, Morrissey offers the intelligence and durability teams look for in a center," the NFL analysis says.

The analysis goes on to say Morissey is "praised as teammate and leader."

Morrisey won the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy awarded to the top player to begin career as a walk-on.

The 6'4, 310-pound Alabama defensive lineman is among the 13 prospects who will attend the NFL Draft in person.

Barmore will be joined by five members of his national champion teammates including quarterback Mac Jones and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. The NFL says an additional 45 prospects will participate virtually.

With the "upfield juice to create disruption, Barmore has the traits to fit as an interior presence in multiple fronts," ESPN says.

The Philadelphia native is a graduate of Neumann Goretti High School. He ranked among the top five defensive tackles and top 100 overall prospects in the country when he finished high school.

Barmore was named the College Football Playoff Championship Game Defensive MVP after making five tackles.

The NFL analysis on Barmore says, "His hands and feet sing in harmony and allow him to stay active and free from attempts to sustain blocks against him."

"Barmore's explosive first step, violent hands and upper-body power are the ingredients of a three-down defender with the versatility to play a number of positions in an even or odd front as an impactful rookie starter."

Watch the 2021 NFL Draft live on 6abc starting Thursday at 8 p.m.

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The Associated Press, ESPN, and the NFL contributed to this report.