Zakee Wheatley

Draft Projection

Measurements

Athletic Testing

College Statistics

Strengths

• Absolutely flies to the football with that 4.4 speed, covering ground like a center fielder tracking down a deep fly ball
• Shows natural instincts in zone coverage, reading quarterback eyes and jumping routes with confidence that comes from film study
• Sticky in man coverage situations, using his length and hip fluidity to mirror receivers through their breaks effectively
• Brings the lumber in run support, grading out exceptionally well when asked to come downhill and fill gaps
• Ball production jumps off the tape with five career interceptions and the hands to make difficult catches look routine
• Versatile chess piece who lined up at both safety spots and occasionally rolled down to cover the slot receiver
• Mental processor who diagnoses plays quickly, rarely getting caught out of position or biting on misdirection concepts
• Battle-tested performer who elevated his game in big moments, especially during Penn State's playoff run against elite competition

Areas to Improve

• Tackling technique gets sloppy at times, relying too much on arm tackles instead of driving through contact with proper form
• Can be late triggering downhill on play-action, sometimes getting caught peeking into the backfield for too long before reacting
• Physical press coverage needs refinement when matched against bigger receivers who can body him up at the catch point
• Occasionally takes poor angles in pursuit, allowing cutback lanes when he gets too aggressive flowing to the football
• Needs to play with more consistent physicality at the line, sometimes letting receivers get clean releases when he should jam