2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Zakee Wheatley (DB – Penn State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Penn State defensive back Zakee Wheatley.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Zakee Wheatley

Zakee Wheatley (DB – Penn State)

6’2″ – 202 lbs.

Background

Four-star recruit who redshirted in 2021 before rotating in pretty heavily as a sub-package defender the next two seasons, with 27 tackles and two interceptions in 2022 and 24 tackles in 2023. Took over a starting role the next year, finishing with a career-best 96 tackles, four breakups, and three interceptions, then added 74 tackles, one breakup, and one pick in 2025.

Positives

Tall, lanky two-year starter and four-year contributor who primarily played high, but did a bit more work in the box and slot after stepping into a starting role. One of the fastest safeties in the class, with snappy transitions from his backpedal, impressive acceleration, and plenty of top-end and closing speed. Overall recognition skills are above-average. Takes pretty sound angles to the ball, and can be more aggressive if needed. Closes fast in pursuit but generally does a good job of breaking down in the open field. Length gives him an impressive tackling radius, and uses solid wrap technique. Served as the primary high safety in a scheme with what looked like a good amount of single-high looks. Has an easy, quick backpedal to depth, and shows fluid hips when transitioning. Does a nice job of consistently keeping things in front of him. Wheels give him good range as a high safety; able to make it out to the sidelines to provide help over the top when working in cover-one. Length allows him to make plays on the ball when in-phase, and shows good technique to watch the hands and go for the breakup when his back is to the ball. Athletically very well-suited to blitzing on a defense which can scheme him lanes.

Negatives

Has added bulk in school, but frame is still on the lanky side and will likely be asked to add additional bulk and functional strength. Can struggle to work through trash and take on blockers when playing downhill; has some tendencies to defer to teammates in the area when dealing with congestion. Pretty reliable as a tackler, but doesn’t have a ton of stopping power on impact. There’s occasionally a bit of wasted motion/inefficiency in some of his transitions, and hips can rise at times. Has the tools to shade over slot receivers, but wasn’t asked to do so very often during the games reviewed. Might struggle to match up against opposing tight ends.

Summary

A tall, lanky free safety with very impressive speed, quickness, and burst, traits which, when combined with his relatively cautious temperament, allowed him to play effectively from high zones over the past two years. His role expanded a bit from 2024 on, but as it currently stands, may lack the ideal bulk and functional strength to rotate down into the box or mix things up with tight ends in man coverage, so adding further muscle should be a priority. Still, has clear starting-caliber length and athleticism and will likely come off the board on the second day.

Projection: Round 2-3