With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Carolina Panthers and general manager Dan Morgan will look to build off the recent success this offseason during the highly anticipated weekend.

Throughout the course of the 2026 NFL Free Agency period, Morgan and the front office did an outstanding job of tackling the most pressing needs heading into next season by signing EDGE Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Similarly, on the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers were able to land additional help within the trenches after signing left tackle Rasheed Walker, who is coming off an impressive season with the Green Bay Packers.

Still, in order for Carolina to truly get over the hump during the 2026 NFL season, it’s clear that the organization must have a terrific draft. One of the primary needs heading into the event will be the secondary unit, as the defense could use a young, talented safety to solidify the unit.

Luckily for the fanbase, Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley could be the perfect playmaker for the Panthers to target in the middle round of the upcoming draft.

While the 2026 draft class is riddled with highly-touted safeties, including Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Wheatley has been overlooked throughout the entire draft process.

After spending the first three seasons with the Nittany Lions as a rotational defensive back, Wheatley finally received an increased role on defense in his last two seasons with the program. During that stretch, the veteran safety recorded 170 tackles, five pass deflections, 4.5 tackles for losses, and four interceptions. His incredible 2025 season with Penn State earned him a PFF defensive grade of 85.9, which ranked 32nd amongst all FBS safeties.

One of the key reasons why the Panthers make perfect sense for Wheatley is his versatility on defense. At 6-foot-3, 203 lbs., the blossoming star has experience of playing everywhere within the secondary unit, but has spent the majority of his career as a deep safety. Putting Wheatley into the mix for the free safety position in 2026 would be an excellent pairing alongside Tre’Von Moehrig, who showed plenty of promise last season.

If Carolina ultimately decides to take Wheatley in the upcoming draft, the franchise would likely be able to land him with the team’s third-round pick (No. 83) or fourth-round pick (No. 119).

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