Zakee Wheatley 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for Penn State, safety
Here is a 2026 NFL Draft scouting report on Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 200 lbs
Year: Senior
Pro Comparison: Lewis Cine
2026 NFL Combine Results
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State, safety
- Hand Size: N/A
- Arm Length: N/A
- 40-Yard Dash: N/A
- Vertical Leap: N/A
- Broad Jump: N/A
- 20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
Pros of Zakee Wheatley
- Striker. Arrives downhill at full throttle with impressive hit power. Pads pop on collision.
- Range. True centerfielder with the ability to get hash-hash without blinking.
- Underrated Ball skills. Attacks the football at the catch point with soft hands.
Cons of Zakee Wheatley
- Eye discipline. Gets caught up in eye candy or delayed in his reactions against the run.
- Tackling technique. Needs to shore up his approach at the point of attack to make teams feel comfortable about him as a true plus one in the box.
- Footwork. Would like to see him improve his foot-fire and cross-body technique when aligned as a man-coverage defender.
Background
Wheatly comes from the prestigious Archbishop Spalding High School in Maryland. He was a five-year player for the Penn State Nittany Lions and holds the record for the most tackles in school history during a bowl game/College Football Playoff game.
Player Evaluation
There is a lot to like about Wheatley’s game. He has the range to keep a lid on coverage, the striking ability to take on blocks and stone ball carriers, and the versatility to roam the box, play as an overhang, or be the top of the shell. The ball production is there and he has a natural feel for run fits and passing lanes. He could use some better eye discipline and tackling technique, but there is no reason why he can’t have a long, fruitful career in the National Football League.
A to Z Rankings
A to Z Draft Grade: 6.97
Draft projection: Day two
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