Panthers NFL Draft 2026: Carolina selects S Zakee Wheatley after trading up to 151 in the 5th round

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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State defensive back Zakee Wheatley (DB54) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Brian Beversluis

Sat, Apr 25, 2026 ·

1 min read

With the 151st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley. The Panthers traded up from 158 to 151 to make this selection.

Accolades

2024 MVP of the Fiesta Bowl.
Starter in all healthy games for PSU in 2024 and 2025.

Bottom Line

Wheatley is a versatile and rangy safety that should fit in very nicely with what Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero values in his safeties.

Strengths

Decisive and rangy in coverage, very physical both in the run and at the catch point. Versatile in the secondary.

Weaknesses

Average quickness and average coverage ability from nickel ( NFL.com ). Definitely needs to work on technique in the run game.

Wheatley will join fellow Penn State alumni Nick Scott in the secondary. Hopefully the veteran presence can teach this guy a few things about being successful, and maybe HE TOO can be a 17 game starter at the NFL level at safety! Share your thoughts down below!