April 3, 2026, 4:42 p.m. ET
The Lions have a potential short-term and long-term need at safety given the health uncertainties of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Thus, an early-round safety selection in the draft should be no surprise. Zakee Wheatly looks to be a promising option who has a low medical concern level.
Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Wheatley:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Zakee Wheatley, S (24) – Penn State
Projected round 2-3. #55 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19. 32.5” vertical at combine. Did not run the 40.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Concern level 2/10
2025: 12/13 games. Opted out of bowl.2024: 16/16 games2023: 13/13 games2022: 13/13 games2021: 4
Wheatley has been perfectly reliable the past 4 seasons and has no reports of injuries. The concern with him is his older age. He collected 6 INT and 6 PBU in college.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD