The Green Bay Packers made their intentions clear heading into the 2026 NFL Draft: the secondary needed reinforcements. General Manager Brian Gutekunst didn't mince words when asked about the cornerback room at a pre-draft news conference.

"We're going to add numbers there," Gutekunst said. "That's probably our group, from a numbers perspective, that as we sit here today, we're going to need to add the most numbers."

Without a first-round pick this year, the challenge was steeper. The Packers couldn't easily target a lockdown perimeter defender until the second round at the earliest. But when South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse was still on the board at pick 52, Gutekunst didn't hesitate.

"He was one of those players that we didn't see being available when we were picking at 52," Gutekunst said.

Cisse becomes Green Bay's first top-100 pick at cornerback since Eric Stokes in 2021—a clear signal that the Packers are serious about shoring up the secondary. At just 20 years old, Cisse brings youth and upside to a position group that needed both.

"He played at a high level this year," Gutekunst added. "We think he's going to really help us next year, and we think his upside is really good."

Cisse's athletic profile backs up the hype. At the NFL Combine, he ranked fifth overall among cornerbacks with a total score of 79. His athleticism score of 80 placed him in the top five of his class, while his production score of 74 ranked eighth. For a player with his measurables and performance, landing at pick 52 looks like a steal.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Cisse's versatility in his draft profile, noting he's "scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter." Zierlein also pointed to Cisse's work ethic and athletic testing as key selling points.

For Packers fans looking to rep their new defensive back, Cisse brings a blend of athleticism, run support, and coverage skills that could make him a fixture in Green Bay's secondary for years to come. Whether he's locking down the boundary or providing depth, Cisse is a name to watch as the Packers build toward the future.