Steelers Secondary: Penn State's Proving Ground
The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary is becoming quite the showcase for Penn State alumni, with the Nittany Lions proving they have what it takes to excel at the professional level. Zakee Wheatley, a standout safety from Penn State, is poised to join this group, currently ranked sixth at his position and No. 80 overall on the NFL Mock Draft Database’s big board.
Wheatley recently shared insights into his bond with former Penn State stars Joey Porter Jr. and Jaquan Brisker, both of whom are now key players in the Steelers' defensive backfield.
"Those guys are like family to me," Wheatley mentioned during Penn State’s pro day. "We've been close since I arrived as a freshman in 2021. Having them to lean on as I navigate this process is invaluable."
Porter, a cornerstone of the Steelers' defense since being drafted 32nd overall in 2023, has made a name for himself with his lockdown coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, he hasn’t allowed a touchdown reception over the past two seasons, setting himself up for a lucrative contract extension. His influence was pivotal in bringing Brisker to Pittsburgh through free agency.
Brisker, who honed his skills at Gateway High School, spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears before returning to his roots in Pittsburgh. His excitement about playing in his hometown is palpable.
As for Wheatley, he's in competitive company. The safeties ahead of him on the big board include top prospects like Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, LSU’s A.J. Haulcy, and USC’s Kamari Ramsey.
With such a strong Penn State presence, the Steelers' secondary is not just a defensive unit; it's a testament to the talent pipeline flowing from Happy Valley to the Steel City.