Could a versatile Penn State defensive back shock the NFL Draft? Discover the overlooked talent poised to make a significant impact.
Some notable Penn State athletes are receiving buzz before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Quarterback Drew Allar is a wild-card athlete for the draft. He has all the size and skills to be a starter in the league, but he must overcome issues with his decision-making and lack of consistency.
Defensive tackle Zane Durant is getting some praise before the draft. Talented three-tech could become a three-down defender in the NFL. He can be a solid run defender in addition to an interior defensive lineman that can generate a pass rush.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg named PSU safety Zakee Wheatley as a player who could be a "sleeper" in the upcoming draft.
Wheatley had a solid final season at State College, recording 74 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, three quarterback hurries, and one pass defensed in 2025.
While Wheatley is known for his ability to swarm around the football, there is a worry about his speed. A PSU source told Rittenberg that Wheatley can overcome that with his skill at pursuit angles.
"He's not the fastest guy, but he covers a lot of ground with how long he is and how good of angles he takes to the ball," the Penn State source said. "Some guys, the ball finds them. He's got a little bit of that, and it's hard to find what it is, but he has it."
Wheatley is a safety, but he could play some at cornerback in the league. He likes the idea of potentially playing nickel.
“I definitely look at myself as a defensive back. I played corner and safety my whole life, and even sometimes being that box safety, playing like a big nickel,” Wheatley said, via The Daily Collegian.
“Talking to teams, that's something they definitely love about me, being able to move me across the field and make plays.”
That flexibility should give Wheatley an opportunity to be drafted into a secondary that needs to cover a few positions.
It'll be interesting to see where the former Nittany Lions playmaker ends up this fall. He could be an impact player on special teams while he earns time playing defense.