re: Why cant draft prospects return to school if they dont get drafted?

In order for a player to be drafted or eligible to be a pro in football they have to declare for the draft/ turn pro. Meaning they are forgoing the rest of their college career. By declaring for the draft, you lose your amateur status.

Not getting drafted is a risk that they take. If you still have eligibility left in college, and are a projected 6th round player, most will return. But not all. They can send in paperwork to see where they will would be projected to go. If they dont like it, they can return. Nobody makes these underclassmen turn pro. Its their decision. They know that they might not get drafted. But they still take their chances. Their decision.

In baseball, players dont declare for the draft. If they are eligible, they get drafted. Doesnt mean they will go pro or sign. But a team wont risk a top pick on a player that they think wont turn pro.

If you allow the players that dont get drafted the opportunity to return to school, you have to allow all players that opportunity.