Arizona Cardinals: 5 NFL Draft prospect to watch from the ACC
By Cody Potanko
Greg Dortch – WR, Wake Forest
An interesting prospect out of Wake Forest, Dortch posted an even 85.0 Pro Football Focus rating as a redshirt sophomore in 2018. In two years of play, the receiver posted impressive numbers including 142 receptions for 1,799 yards and 17 touchdowns on a 71.4% catch rate. He operated mostly out of the slot as ranks sixth in the class in receptions out of the slot with 75 and fourth in slot yards with 982, per PFF.
Known as a shifty receiver, Dortch offers a lot in the receiving game would do well on quick-developing routes such as screens, crosses, and slants. His shiftiness and crafty playstyle after the catch make him an excellent ball carrier, and he showed that with his 959 yards after the catch, per PFF, in his two years. But he also has soft hands and can snatch the ball out of the air.
However, his 5-foot-7, 173-pound frame is concerning. So is his raw route-tree, as he needs to learn how to finish his plays as he often gave up when doubled or didn’t feel the route. Because of that, I do have concerns with him operating in the middle of the field, and his game will likely always stay in the inside.
But, his explosive play will be key to his success in the NFL. He should find a way to be a weapon as an undersized gadget player, slot receiver, and return man. At Wake Forest, he returned 45 punts for 438 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned 36 kicks for 773 yards for an average of 21.5 yards.
Final verdict: Dortch is a raw talent with a tremendous ceiling if he develops his route running and adds some weight to his frame. If the Cardinals want a project player, I could see them picking him up sometime during day three of the draft.