Zakee Wheatley is a safety out of Penn State who has steadily gained attention ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 203 pounds, Wheatley possesses the physical tools and football IQ that many teams look for in a defensive back. Throughout his college career, he showcased his versatility, playing both cornerback and safety, and his combination of athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability makes him an intriguing prospect. Wheatley’s football journey began at Archbishop Spalding High School in Crofton, Maryland, where he played both offense and defense. A four-star recruit, he went on to commit to Penn State, where his college career spanned from 2021 to 2025. Over his years at Penn State, Wheatley transitioned from cornerback to safety, a move that allowed him to leverage his skills in different coverage schemes and solidified his place as one of the Big Ten’s top defensive backs.
In terms of physical traits, Wheatley is a prototypical NFL safety with his 6’3″, 203-pound frame. While his body is leaner than some other safeties, his wiry build doesn’t limit his ability to come downhill quickly and contribute in both the run and pass game. His long arms, combined with fluid hips and excellent ankle and knee flexibility, allow him to cover ground quickly. Wheatley’s burst is also impressive; he can quickly close the gap when necessary, whether defending the run or jumping a route. His footwork is solid, allowing him to maintain balance while making fluid changes in direction. When it comes to coverage, Wheatley excels, particularly in zone schemes. His fluid hips and range allow him to cover a lot of ground, and his eye discipline gives him the ability to track the quarterback’s eyes and react to the ball. While he has great ball skills in zone coverage, his man-to-man ability is where he faces challenges. While he can use his length effectively to disrupt routes, his occasional struggles come when receivers break off quickly in man or when his eyes get too focused on the quarterback in zone. This inconsistency could hinder him at the next level, especially when matched up against high-level route runners. His size as well can hinder him in man, TEs can use their larger frames to beat him. In run defense, Wheatley is a willing tackler who’s quick to come downhill. However, his tackling consistency is a concern. He tends to play with high pads, which can lead to missed tackles or poor form. His aggressiveness to force fumbles, while admirable, sometimes causes him to overextend and fail to secure tackles. Additionally, while he has the motor to chase down plays, he can struggle to shed blockers.
What truly stands out with Wheatley is his ball skills. Over his college career, he totaled nine takeaways, showing an innate ability to locate the ball and make plays. His quick burst to the football, combined with his knack for punching it out during tackles, makes him a natural playmaker. Whether it’s intercepting passes or forcing fumbles, Wheatley consistently finds ways to affect the game. Wheatley is best suited for a scheme that allows him to play as a single-high safety or in a “robber” role, where he can roam the field, read the quarterback, and make plays. His range, ability to cover deep zones, and knack for getting to the ball make him a valuable asset in a defense that prioritizes those traits. Teams like the Eagles, Bears, and Jets could be ideal landing spots for Wheatley, as they utilize defenses that would allow him to thrive in those roles from Day 1. In terms of an NFL comparison, Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin fits well as a comp. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Giants, Nubin has excellent ball skills, a strong sense of anticipation, and the range to make plays in the secondary. Both players excel in zone coverage and have the physical attributes to compete at the NFL level, though Nubin is generally a bit more refined as a tackler and more consistent in man coverage.
Looking ahead, Wheatley projects as a low-end starter in his rookie year, with the potential to develop into a high-end starter by Year 3. His versatility, athleticism, and ball skills make him an intriguing prospect, but his weaknesses in man coverage and tackling consistency could limit his early impact. That said, a team that can utilize his strengths while helping him improve in these areas could be getting a future star. In terms of draft grade, Wheatley is a Day 2 prospect, most likely in round 2, with a final grade of 5.11 (curved). While he may not be an instant superstar, his potential as a starter and his playmaking ability in a deep safety class make him an appealing option for teams in need of a versatile, day 1 player in the secondary.
Overall, Zakee Wheatley is a safety with the physical tools, instincts, and ball skills to make an immediate impact in the NFL. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in man coverage and tackling, his natural ability to make plays and potential should make him an attractive option for teams looking for a starting safety with a chance to develop into a high-level contributor.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit: Single High / Robber
Amazing range and ball skills will translate well there. Can come down and make tackles. Eagles, Bears, Jets are great spots for him to play day 1.
NFL Player Comp: Tyler Nubin
Tyler Nubin is a good comp for Zakee. Similar ball skills and range coming out of college.
Projection: Low End Starter Y1 / High End Starter Y3
The right team to use him well can get a solid starter in year 1, thinking the limitations in man will hurt him. Development over time gives him a chance to be a high-level starter.
Grade and Round Projection: 5.11, Day 2 Pick
Can start day 1 and be an impact player in a ridiculous safety class.
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