This versatile Penn State defender is electrifying NFL scouts with his playmaking ability and potential to be a Day 2 draft steal.
Penn State had plenty of NFL talent on its roster last year.
However, it remains to be seen if the Nittany Lions can get multiple players to go in the first round of the draft. Offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane is likely PSU's best shot to get a player taken in the first round.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has received a lot of focus recently in a poorly graded draft class. He was expected to compete to be a Day 1 pick before suffering a season-ending injury against Northwestern last October.
PSU saftey Zakee Wheatley has received big buzz from a few national outlets this week. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg suggested he could be a "sleeper" next week.
Wheatley recorded 74 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, three quarterback hurries, and one pass defensed in 2025.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports recently wrote that he thinks Wheatley is an underrated draft prospect this year. He could be a Day 2 pick.
"At 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, Zakee Wheatley isn't a big-bodied safety, but he sure does throw his body around," Prisco wrote. He is a good player in the run game, coming up from the deep safety spot.
"He has the range that teams love in a safety, which is a must in today's game. He also had six interceptions and two forced fumbles in his career. I think he will end up being a steal in the second or third round."
Wheatley isn' the fastest defender on the field, but he knows how to track the football. He can also play multiple positions, which should appeal to NFL coaches.
“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 recently.
“Talking to teams, that's something they definitely love about me, being able to move me across the field and make plays.”
Wheatley could wind up being a steal in the upcoming draft if he's taken in the third round.
In addition to playing defense, look for a team in the league to get him on the field this year as a special teams contributor.