Panthers draft safety net with Zakee Wheatley

Panthers draft safety net with Zakee Wheatley originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Carolina Panthersfifth-round draft pick Zakee Wheatley will not be alone during his NFL baptism.

The Panthers open rookie minicamp Friday at the practice fields near Bank of America Stadium and Wheatley likely will have former Penn State teammate Cam Miller around to share the experience.

Miller serves as an undrafted free agent coming in to audition for a spot on the offseason's 90-man roster. The Panthers' coaching staff will direct the first-year players through a series of on-field drills during the three-day event.

Wheatley probably will steal some of the staff's attention. He was part of Panthers general manager Dan Morgan's Day 3 haul that could ultimately shape the draft class over the next few seasons.

Panthers poised to begin NFL rookie minicamp

The Panthers continue to add safety depth through the draft.

After Morgan inked Tre'von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million free-agent deal in March 2025 and re-signed Nick Scott last winter, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evro likely employs his starters, with Wheatley and 2025 fourth-round pick settling into special teams/rotational roles.