Free agency giveth, and free agency taketh away with the Philadelphia Eagles learning that lesson the hard way.
While Eagles general manager Howie Roseman swooped in to secure the services of cornerback Tariq Woolen, the early stages of free agency have also hit Philadelphia hard. Three key defensive starters in Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship have signed elsewhere.
And while there remain some solid free agents at both the edge and safety positions, that talent pool is dwindling by the day. If a veteran at safety isn't landed, then this April's draft will provide Roseman the perfect opportunity to replenish the unit.
Talent to consider in Happy Valley
Despite a rocky 2025 campaign for the program, Penn State is still set to churn out a solid share of upcoming NFL talent. As injuries to star linemen Landon Dickerson and Lane Johnson inflicted Eagles fans with a sense of dread, we previously discussed the possibility of adding Nittany Lion mauler Olaiavega Ioane.
But with both Dickerson and Johnson set to return, the priority for early line help may take a bit of a back seat in light of the recent loss of Phillips, and the continued uncertainty of tight end. If edge and tight end are the two most pressing needs to address, then a Day 2 safety sounds right up Roseman's sleeve. A year after nabbing Texas safety Andrew Mukuba in round two, this time around, Philadelphia may opt for in-state talent in the form of Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley.
Wheatley excelled despite recent team struggles at PSU
Frustrating losses this past year didn't deter Wheatley from stepping up throughout his final season of college ball, as the former four-star recruit hailing from Crofton, Maryland, earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors for the second straight season. Having earned Fiesta Bowl MVP honors in 2024 before electing to stay in Happy Valley for one more run, he impressed as a leader in the Penn State secondary, finishing his career with six interceptions in 28 starts.
Senior Bowl showing hints the best is yet to come
Afforded the opportunity to showcase his skills at the Senior Bowl, Wheatley didn't take a single rep for granted, rising to the occasion in securing MVP honors for the National team. Clocking in at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he's shown a knack for thriving in deep zone coverage. He can also play in the box, brandishing versatility like fellow safety prospect Jalen Kilgore, though not quite as physically imposing as the heavy hitter from South Carolina.
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Currently projected in that third, potentially second round range, Roseman might just keep it in-state when it comes to replacing Blankenship.