Panthers Draft Wheatley for Safety Upgrade

0:00It's April 27. This is Durham News Today, driven by AI. Carolina Panther scooped up two players on day three of the 2026 NFL Draft in the fifth round. First, they grabbed Kansas State Center Sam Hecht, then General Manager Dan Morgan at at Penn State Safety Zeki Wheatley. That safety spot was a clear need for the NFC South Champs looking to boost big plays in the back end. The Panthers have been eyeing an upgrade there after last season's top safeties, graded out middling on pro-flow ball focus. Veteran Trayvon Mouerig hit 62.5 and ranked 54th league-wide. Nick Scott was close at 62.3 and 55th. While Rookie Lathen Ransom sat at 59.5 and 67, they logged heavy snaps but lack splash. Fans and analysts see Wheatley as a versatile fix, a 6.3, 203-pound athlete with solid run defense and coverage instincts. He's got that downhill trigger and ball skills, though he needs to sharpen his finishing.

1:02In college, Wheatley balled out with 96 tackles, 3 picks, and 4 passes defenced in 16 games back in 2024, then. 74 stops in 12 games last year. His flexibility shines in zone schemes, handling nickel or dime rolls while supporting the run Mike Mouerig. This pick could unlock more turnovers for Ezure or Evro's defense, especially since safety's only nav 3 of the team's 15 interceptions last year. Wheatley brings starter potential to elevate that unit right away.