Saints Host Top Safety Zakee Wheatley for Pre-Draft Visit

With the NFL today, March 19th, the New Orleans Saints are hosting Penn State Safety

Zaky Wheatley for a pre-draft visit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

He's viewed as one of the top five safeties in his class, especially strong against the run.

Over 58 gains with the Ninny Lions, he racked up 223 tackles, six interceptions,

and three fumble recoveries. Wheatley stands six feet, three inches tall,

and weighs 203 pounds, with experience covering the slot on nearly 400 snaps.

That size and versatility make him a fit for multiple roles in the secondary.

The Saints see him as a possible replacement for a cornerback Alantay Taylor,

who recently signed a $58 million deal elsewhere.

In Coach Brandon Staley's defense, the star position demands coverage,

blitzing, and open field tackles. Wheatley brings those skills, including some pressures on

quarterbacks despite limited rushes. His Big Ten experience totals over 2,100 snaps,

blending safety and corner duties. He's joining other prospects on the Saints' visit list,

like LSU Cornerback, Mansour Delane, Louisville-Wider-Ciever Chris Bell, and USC-Wider-Ciever,

Mackay Lemon. These meetings signal the team's focus on bolstering the secondary and receiver core.

Experts project Wheatley could go as early as round two, pick 42, or round three,

pick 73. If selected, he'd likely contribute right away, given his snap volume and physical tools.

Keep an eye on how this visit shapes their draft board. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting

today's coverage. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all.

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