Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
After the departure of cornerback Alontae Taylor, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in need of a new, disruptive and versatile player to take on the defense’s “STAR” role.
The hybrid slot corner/boundary corner/linebacker role is an important one in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system. While there are some options already on the roster, this year’s NFL Draft class provides some potential as well.
One of the players that could find their way going from the college ranks into the pivotal position in New Orleans is Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley. The versatile safety plays with the demeanor necessary to be a disruptive and productive player at the position in the pros and already has a top-30 visit reportedly lined up with the Saints.
Wheatley has several of the hallmark traits a team like the Saints may seek out in potentially landing the position’s successor.
Penn State Safety Zakee Wheatley
Age: 24
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 203 pounds
Arm length: 31 inches
Hand size: 9 ½ inches
Pro Day Testing
40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds
Vertical: 33 inches
Broad jump: 10-foot-4
3-cone: 6.89 seconds
Short shuttle: 4.11 seconds
RAS: N/A
Penn State S Zakee Wheatley reportedly has a Top-30 visit set up with the Patriots.
Stands 6’3” and 203 lbs. The ‘24 Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP recorded 74 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 INT last season. Had 96 tackles, a sack, and 3 INTs in ‘24.pic.twitter.com/oLVOEkzK3m
— Jack Aylmer (@Jack_Aylmer) March 18, 2026
Wheatley’s versatility stands out quickly watching his tape and the numbers back it all up. Per Pro Football Focus, he saw 393 career snaps in the slot, 481 playing in the box and 1,273 at free safety. That amount of experience in all three roles is vital for a position like STAR, which will ask elements of all three positions of a single player down in and down out.
His physical presence is another standout quality. Measuring in at 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds makes him any defensive coordinator’s dream.
That frame allows you to feel comfortable letting him rush the passer and defend the run while his short-area quickness (as evidenced by excellent 3-cone and short shuttle results) gives a glimpse in his ability to work in tight space and change direction. Both are vital elements to working in the slot both in coverage and when defending the run.
An active tackler, Wheatley has also continued to develop as a playmaker as well.
2025 Stats
Total tackles: 74
Tackles for a loss: 2
Sacks: 0
Interceptions: 1
Passes defended: 1
Wheatley also notched a sack and forced fumble in 2024.
Finally watching a safety prospect with some face-up run stopping power! Penn State S Zakee Wheatley has some lovely key/fill reps in the box
Underrated convo this cycle… Who is Safety #4? Pretty consensus Top 3 – glad to see BR team highlight Wheatley as Top 50 @brentsobleski pic.twitter.com/FLx0nYFNha
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 7, 2026
+ Versatile player with a ton of experience in multiple roles.
+ Strong run defender that can play down in the box without getting lost in the shuffle.
+ Great pro size, length and imposing play strength.
+ Showed clear development each year he played.
+ High football IQ.
– Would have to get comfortable covering shift slot receivers in the pros.
– Can play high because of natural size.
– Click and close recognition can lag.
– Not particularly rangey in post coverage.
The Bottom Line
Wheatley could be one of the NFL Draft’s best fits for the Saints’ versatile STAR role. His physical play style, active demeanor and notable play confidence are abundant and perfect for the position and its demands.
He’ll have to be able to get comfortable working against smaller, shiftier matchups in the pros, but that would come with experience. His limited range and speed won’t be much of an impact if ever asked to drop back into single-high safety situations, which would be a rare ask of the position.
Wheatley is a player to watch in the second day of the NFL Draft this year, another player New Orleans would be very excited to add to its defense.
