2026 Draft: Safety

[mayoclinic]

100% agree. Pats should be rushing to get that contract done.

Ponds or Jontez Williams if Jones not re-signed (or maybe for depth if available 5th round or later), but hope it won't come to that.

 

[Clonamery]

That would necessitate giving up on Marcus Jones. I'm not ready to do that yet.

Commenting on 2 very athletic players in the same secondary.

 

[manxman2601]

Commenting on 2 very athletic players in the same secondary.

That they are. As I said, I'm looking forward to seeing them go up against Oregon. It will be a real trst for them.

 

[mayoclinic]

We have the best draft forum on the internet but even then, I don't think NFL GMs come here for tips and information.

Imagine if we could somehow lure BGC back.

 

[manxman2601]

Zakee Wheatley, Penn State, 6-2, 202lbs

I think this is someone we need to be paying more attention to if we're looking at a day two safety. Excellent size for the position although he could stand to add a bit more weight. Reportedly runs a 4.4 forty which is quite rare, and desirable. Reports suggest that he's a diverse safety with that 4.4 forty hepling him in centerfield but also gives him the explosion to fill holes in run support in a more strong safety role. And that height and speed will help him as a TE killer from the slot.

Tackling is his reported negative and he did miss 20 tackles last year, but that was an abberation having only missed 8 total tackles the two years previously. He's on 2 so far this year.

The reason I got on to him was my usual PFF grade doom scrolling. I consider anything above an 80 grade on PFF as elite. currently Wheatley has an 82 defensive grade, an 81 coverage grade and an 81.5 run defense grade. PFF grades were what put me onto Craig Woodson last year where he did the same with multiple 80 plus grades. Wheatley will be one to track.

ChatGPT summary and top two player comps

Projection & Role in Higher Levels (NFL / Pro)​

Wheatley projects as a starting safety who ideally fits in a system that values range, coverage instincts, and versatility. He may be used more as a free safety or hybrid safety who can drop into zones, roam over the top, and occasionally step into the box or cover in the slot.


He’ll likely need to refine his technique in tackling and press coverage, and continue building physical consistency. If he does that, his playmaking upside and flexibility make him an appealing mid-round prospect with starter upside.


In an NFL defense, you might see him in sub-packages, matchups vs tight ends or move receivers, or in center‑field roles. His versatility gives defensive coordinators more options.

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Player Comparisons / Analogues​

Here are a few comparisons (with caveats) that help illustrate the kind of player Wheatley could resemble:

• Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers) — While not a perfect match, Fitzpatrick’s combination of rangy coverage, ball skills, and ability to play multiple levels is a useful reference. Wheatley has a bit more work to do in terms of physical consistency, but the upside is similar in concept.
• Kevin Byard (Tennessee Titans) — A safety with instincts, ball hawk tendencies, and ability to play deep or closer to the line. Byard’s sneaky tackling and leverage play mirror the type of coaching emphasis Wheatley would need.

 

[mayoclinic]

For Manx:



Very exciting comparison.

That Downs kid looks pretty good, too.

 

[manxman2601]

For Manx:



Very exciting comparison.

That Downs kid looks pretty good, too.

Well Zakee Wheatley's just jumped up my board with that FS play. Thanks for the video.

 

[mayoclinic]

Reminiscent of Devin McCourty streaking across the field to breakup a pass.

 

[manxman2601]

I'd like to see him add 10lbs to help with his tackling but I love his intelligence and range.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

For Manx:



Very exciting comparison.

That Downs kid looks pretty good, too.

Wheatley is impressive. Downs is impressive too, but Wheatley is a guy we could use. Smooth, smart, effortless.

 

[manxman2601]

Wheatley is impressive. Downs is impressive too, but Wheatley is a guy we could use. Smooth, smart, effortless.

Perfect partner for Woodson. Let Woodson be the coming down into the box and have Wheatley covering up high. However with Wheatley's speed, he too can be used to fill gaps. A nice partnership.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm getting excited.

Imagine what the Pats could do with Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs together.

It will never happen.

But Arvell Reese and Zakee Wheatley could.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm getting excited.

Imagine what the Pats could do with Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs together.

It will never happen.

But Arvell Reese and Zakee Wheatley could.

You're making the classic mistake. You're getting too attached

 

[mayoclinic]

No.

Long way to go. Lots of good prospects.

The Pats took NONE of my personal picks in 2025:

- I wanted Josh Simmons at OT
- I thought Jalon Walker and Tyler Warren were BPA at #4
- I wanted Mason Taylor or Elijah Arroyo in the 2nd round if the Pats passed on Warren

Instead, the Pats seemed to follow some British dude's picks.

And they CRUSHED it.

I think the guys I picked look like they will be pretty good players, and would have been good additions to the team. But I'm thrilled with what they got.

I have no illusions with the Pats taking who I would take. But I do think the people we identify make sense for the team, at some level.

One of the most fun things is identifying under the radar prospects who get me excited when watching their film. Wheatley looks really exciting. Need to see a lot more, but really fun to watch.

 

[manxman2601]

Instead, the Pats seemed to follow some British dude's picks.

And they CRUSHED it.

I'm still gobsmacked that happened. I probably should have retired.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

Like I said, lots of good prospects.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I'm getting excited.

Imagine what the Pats could do with Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs together.

It will never happen.

But Arvell Reese and Zakee Wheatley could.

Unfortunately I think we will be picking in the high 20s. Our schedule sucks and the NFL teams are quite evenly matched this year leading to a lot of 10 - 7 (and worse) records.

 

[mayoclinic]

Picking in the high 20's would mean we not only made the playoffs, but won a game.

I could live with that.

It would probably mean we would be looking at guys like Dillon Thieneman, Conner Lew, Sonny Styles, Anthony Hill and Quincy Rhodes with our top pick.

I could live with that.

 

[manxman2601]

That's a relief. I was worried last night that, with UCLA, and in particular their QB, running rings around Penn State yesterday, that Zakee Wheatley might have had a bad game. He didn't really. He led the team in run defense and tackling, only missed 1 tackle and while he gave up 3 receptions, it was for only 19 yards. Still safety 2/3 for me.