Carolina likely got one of the best ballhawks on last season’s Penn State team at a discount.
Former PSU safety Zakee Wheatley, a fifth-round draft pick of the Panthers over the weekend, made 28 starts for the Nittany Lions during the last two seasons.
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The 6-3, 203-pound Wheatley also produced 170 combined tackles in 2024 and 2025.
During his time at Penn State, the defensive back accounted for 11 turnovers – six interceptions, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Wheatley, who can play in the box or patrol the deep middle, steps into an ideal situation at Carolina.
He will likely compete with former PSU defensive back Nick Scott for one of the Panthers’ starting safety spots.
“Just a big, long, physical guy,” Panthers general manager Dan Campbell said after Carolina selected Wheatley.
“He fits the DNA we want, the the type of competitor that we want. He can play the post, he can play up in the box, he can do a lot of things for our defense that we’re excited about.”
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Wheatley, who did not run a 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, said he is accustomed to people doubting his speed.
But given the large number of turnovers he was involved in creating at Penn State, Wheatley clearly has good instincts.
“My whole life, I’ve been someone who might have been doubted just based on circumstances,” Wheatley said after he was picked.
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“Then I was someone that —I’m known as, you know, step foot in our organization and give it everything I have.
“What I would say about the speed is that you can make up with football IQ and intelligence.
“So, you know, I’ve been around the game for a long time, constantly getting stronger and faster, and I can’t wait to show my speed in Carolina.”
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