The Carolina Panthers selected Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley with the 151st pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their secondary after a poor playoff performance.
It became abundantly clear that the Carolina Panthers needed secondary help after surrendering 34 points and over 400 yards of total offense to the Los Angeles Rams in their lone playoff game. They came into the draft knowing they needed to address that area, and that’s exactly what they did today on the last day of the draft.
Carolina selected Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley with the 151st pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Wheatley entered college as an intriguing defensive back, being ranked as the No. 350 prospect nationally and the No. 24 safety prospect.
The former four-star recruit did it all at Penn State, racking up 223 total tackles, six interceptions, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a sack during his five seasons with the Nittany Lions. Wheatley now brings that versatility to the Panthers, where he should have a good chance to make an impact despite his low draft slot.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Panthers take Penn State S Zakee Wheatley in fifth round of NFL draft
Zakee Wheatley plays as a safety.
During his five seasons at Penn State, Wheatley recorded 223 total tackles, six interceptions, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one sack.
The Panthers drafted Wheatley to address their need for secondary help after allowing 34 points and over 400 yards in their playoff game.
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