Zakee Wheatley - SAF - Penn St.

[Soul Rebel]

I LOOOOVED Nick Emmanwori in last year's draft and seeing him thrive and become an instant leader of Seattle's defense this year makes me want a similar rookie beside Moehrig. 

In scanning this year's draft, I came across Zakee Wheatley from PSU. Not exactly the same build, but Senior Bowl measurements have him at a hair under 6'3" & 200lbs and runs a 4.4. His acceleration, ability to span the field and be a true center field coverage safety would allow Moehrig to float more near the LOS and play to his strengths with a worthy compliment. Wheatley is a modern day lengthy SAF and he excels in zone coverage, isn't afraid to get dirty in the run game and has a nose for the ball. 

We play such a soft cover-3 scheme that having someone with speed to roam would be great. I'd especially like to see us roll Ransom out there with these two as well with Horn/Jackson to secure that backend for us.

Looking like a R2 pick as of now with some saying early third. If he truly is an athletic specimen that his numbers show, I assume he will only climb higher after the combine. 

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25250463-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-penn-state-s-zakee-wheatley

Will defnitely look to see how he does at the Sr. Bowl this weekend and in Indy next month.

[shaq]

Was a projected first rounder coming into the year, Penn State had a massive down year and a lot of the talented seniors who returned hurt their stock just with the association. Zakee would be a true center fielder for us something we are currently lacking. Also would love to see Dani Dennis Sutton in round 3 or even in second. 

[imminent rogaine]

Idk how to say his first name but every time I see it, it makes me think of this girl on Saved By the Bell that was ragdolling Zack and called him “Zacky”. So, with that, I’m firmly on the band wagon. 

[Soul Rebel]

2 hours ago, shaq said:

Was a projected first rounder coming into the year, Penn State had a massive down year and a lot of the talented seniors who returned hurt their stock just with the association. Zakee would be a true center fielder for us something we are currently lacking. Also would love to see Dani Dennis Sutton in round 3 or even in second. 

I was disappointed last year when DDS returned because he had first round written all over him. Odd to see that everyone returned and will end up worse off than had they come out. Allar being one of them. Some saw him as a late first last year and QB1 coming into this year.

Wild.

[shaq]

16 hours ago, Soul Rebel said:

I was disappointed last year when DDS returned because he had first round written all over him. Odd to see that everyone returned and will end up worse off than had they come out. Allar being one of them. Some saw him as a late first last year and QB1 coming into this year.

Wild.

As a Penn State alum I was excited to see everyone return, truth is I think we came into the year a bit over confident coming off last season. Had a slow start and poor depth at LB once Rojas went down, and once Franklin was fired the season was essentially over. From a character perspective DDS is a 10/10 guy, hardworking and incredibly loyal. Nobody expected him to return for his senior year, but he did to try win us a Natty. He also played the entire bowl game this year against Clemson which is rare to see as a high end senior prospect.