A new-look secondary for the New Orleans Saints developed quickly in 2025. Breaking in three prominent new additions, including two rookies and a second-year player, the Saints finished the year ranked fourth against the pass. This offseason, New Orleans lost versatile cornerback Alontae Taylor to free agency. Most expect them to replace him with a draft pick. If they don't do so in the first round, then Brandon Cisse could be one of the corners on their radar with a Day 2 or early third day selection.
Cisse is among a deep group of corners in this year's class that could be available into the middle rounds. After losing Taylor, the Saints seem likely to draft one of them to replace him and team with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley.
An accomplished wide receiver and cornerback at Lakewood High School in South Carolina, Cisse started his college career at North Carolina State University. As a freshman in 2023 he'd play in every game, but sparingly so as a backup despite grabbing 1 interception. He'd get significantly more time in 2024, starting over half the games, breaking up 5 throws and recording 1.5 stops for loss among 28 total tackles.
For the 2025 season, Cisse had landed with the South Carolina Gamecocks through the transfer portal. He was a consistent starter for the Gamecocks and was one of their top defenders. Cisse had an interception and a forced fumble in 2025, breaking up 5 throws and notching 1.5 tackles for loss among 27 total stops.
Enough speed to stay with receivers all over the field
Hasn't shown great instincts in off-ball coverage
In a deep class of cornerbacks, Cisse has gone somewhat unnoticed. He may come off the board somewhere in the second day but seems more likely to be a Day 3 selection. The talents are there and he certainly has upside, but was erratic throughout his collegiate career.
New Orleans is expected to add at least one cornerback in hopes of replacing Alontae Taylor. The Saints look like they have a find in Quincy Riley, a fourth round choice last season. Cisse is likely to be avaliable in that same range and has the ability to develop into a good complement to Riley and Kool-Aid McKinstry if the Saints target him.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse scouting report