With the NFL Draft approaching, the New England Patriots are looking to build for the future, and Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley is a name that could be on their radar. While the team appears set at safety for the 2026 season with Craig Woodson and veteran Kevin Byard, the long-term picture requires planning. Byard, at 32, isn't a permanent solution, making a versatile, developmental prospect like Wheatley an intriguing fit for the Patriots' defensive backfield.
Wheatley brings a fascinating profile to the table. Standing at 6'3" and 203 pounds, he possesses the prototypical size and length teams covet in a modern safety. His athletic testing, including a 32.5-inch vertical and a 10'2" broad jump, showcases his explosive lower-body power. While his 4.62-second 40-yard dash time doesn't scream elite speed, his on-field intelligence and versatility help him compensate.
His college career at Penn State tells the story of a player who truly developed into a defensive weapon. After redshirting and transitioning from cornerback to safety, Wheatley broke out in 2024, becoming a defensive fixture. Over his final two seasons, he started 28 games and was a ballhawk, notching seven total takeaways (four interceptions and three fumble recoveries). His senior year performance earned him an honorable All-Big Ten mention, proving he can deliver when it matters.
What makes Wheatley so compelling is his well-rounded skill set. He's a tall, lean athlete with the length to disrupt passing lanes and the football IQ to be in the right place. He may lack burner speed, but he has shown he can play sideline-to-sideline and isn't afraid to come up and support in run defense. His high school experience as a wide receiver also shows in his ball skills and understanding of route concepts.
Projected as a third or fourth-round pick, Wheatley represents the kind of high-upside, versatile defender that successful teams find in the draft's middle rounds. For a Patriots team known for valuing smart, adaptable players, Zakee Wheatley could be a perfect piece to develop behind the veterans, offering a little bit of everything a modern defense needs.