Wheeler, 6-2, 245 pounds was originally selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. Wheeler played in 61 games with 24 starts for the Colts, and recorded 141 total tackles (62 solo). The Falcons signed Wheeler in October during the 2015 season. In his limited time with the team, he saw action in nine games with two starts and posted 29 total tackles (21 solo), one sack, and one forced fumble.
In 2012, Wheeler was signed by the Oakland Raiders and started all 16 games, tallying 109 total tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.