Panthers Draft Zakee Wheatley for Depth

0:00It's April 25, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NFL News Today football news powered by AI. Carolina Panthers just snagged Penn State Safety Zaky Wheatley with the 151st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They traded up from 158 to lock him in late on day 3. Wheatley balled out in college, earning MVP honors in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl. He started every game he was healthy for, in 2024, and 2025, showing real consistency. Panthers fans are buzzing about how he matches defensive coordinator Agero Evros' vision for safeties. His range and physicality and coverage, plus versatility across the secondary, make him a natural fit right away. That said, Scouts point out some rough edges like average quickness in nickel spots, and technique tweaks needed against the run. He's got upside, but plenty of polish ahead. Overall, this feels like a savvy move for depth in the back end, keep an eye on Wheatley

1:01as he battles for reps and camp.