Dortch wasn't drafted high enough to secure a place on the roster of an NFL team. He had to earn it against players that were on the roster. He left Wake after receiving mention of All-American status. Had he stayed at Wake for two more seasons he probably would have secured AA status, possibly twice. That would have improved his position in the draft and secured him a contract on the roster. All pro teams want their top picks to succeed and contribute to team success. None want to admit they made poor draft choices. Preference is given to those players when decisions need to be made. Surratt and Newman are in the same position. They showed enough skills to be considered for AA, but neither made it. Like Dortch, their success translated into a winning record overall and a .500 record in conference. No big deal on a national scale. If Newman and Surratt had returned to Wake and their success translated into a 9-2 record and a Top 25 ranking at seasons end, they would be strong contenders for AA status with team success backing them. That improves a players position in the draft, their probabilities for a spot on a roster and their chance to play.
