With the 151st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley. The Panthers traded up from 158 to 151 to make this selection.
Accolades
- 2024 MVP of the Fiesta Bowl.
- Starter in all healthy games for PSU in 2024 and 2025.
Bottom Line
Wheatley is a versatile and rangy safety that should fit in very nicely with what Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero values in his safeties.
Strengths
Decisive and rangy in coverage, very physical both in the run and at the catch point. Versatile
in the secondary.
Weaknesses
Average quickness and average coverage ability from nickel (NFL.com). Definitely needs to work on technique in the run game.
Wheatley will join fellow Penn State alumni Nick Scott in the secondary. Hopefully the veteran presence can teach this guy a few things about being successful, and maybe HE TOO can be a 17 game starter at the NFL level at safety! Share your thoughts down below!
