The Green Bay Packers finally made their first move in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they went big on defense. After patiently waiting 51 picks, the team selected South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse, adding a high-upside talent to a secondary that needed fresh legs and a spark. Let's break down what makes this young cornerback such an intriguing addition to the Packers' roster.
Born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, Cisse spent his college career close to home, playing two seasons at NC State before transferring to South Carolina in 2025. The move to the SEC proved to be a major stepping stone, and Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst couldn't hide his excitement. "Really like the fact that he took the step and went to South Carolina last year and really showed well," Gutekunst said. "He played at a high level this year. We think he'll help us next year, and we think his upside is really good."
Standing at 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, Cisse might not be the biggest corner on the field, but his athletic profile is off the charts. He posted a Relative Athletic Score of 9.25 out of 10, putting him in the 92nd percentile among over 3,000 cornerbacks tested since 1987. His explosion numbers are elite—a 41-inch vertical (97th percentile) and a 10-foot-11 broad jump (95th percentile)—while his speed is equally impressive with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash (91st percentile) and a quick 1.53-second 10-yard split (87th percentile). For context, his top athletic comparisons include former first-round pick Terrion Arnold and third-round selection Jarrian Jones, who visited Green Bay before the 2024 draft.
What makes Cisse even more exciting is his age. He won't turn 21 until July, making him one of the youngest prospects in this year's draft class. That's a rare commodity in today's game, where experience often takes priority. His youth, combined with his performance in the SEC, suggests his best football is still ahead of him.
On the field, Cisse's consistency is notable. According to Pro Football Focus, his coverage grades have held steady around 70 points over the past three seasons—69.8 in 2023, 71.9 in 2024, and 71.2 in 2025—even after jumping to tougher competition. Where he truly shines is in run defense, where his grade improved every year from 70.5 to 78.5 to an impressive 89.2. His tackling grades also sit at 71, showing he's not afraid to get physical.
Cisse skipped the 3-cone drill and managed only a 45th-percentile shuttle score, but that's a minor concern for a player with his overall athletic gifts and work ethic. With room to grow and a skill set that translates well to the modern NFL, Brandon Cisse is a cornerback with a high ceiling and the grit to match. Packers fans should be excited about what this young defender brings to the table.