The Green Bay Packers have selected South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse with the 52nd pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Why it matters: Cisse is the first selection for Green Bay in this draft, as they did not have a first-round pick. The Packers aimed to strengthen their cornerback position, which has faced challenges recently.
Cisse's selection reflects the Packers' strategy to bolster a secondary that struggled last season.
He joins a cornerback group that includes veterans Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, both of whom had inconsistent performances in 2025.
The addition of Cisse adds depth and competition for starting roles in the upcoming season.
Driving the news: The Packers announced Cisse's selection on April 24, 2026, during the second round of the NFL Draft. Former Packers fullback John Kuhn made the announcement.
Cisse was the seventh cornerback chosen in this year's draft, underscoring his potential impact on the team.
With a relative athletic score of 9.24, Cisse aligns well with the Packers' desired traits for cornerbacks.
His impressive 4.41-second 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical jump at the combine highlight his athleticism.
State of play: Cisse brings a range of skills that could significantly benefit the Packers. His college statistics show promise, but there are areas for improvement.
In his final season at South Carolina, Cisse recorded 27 tackles, including 19 solo, and added one interception and five pass breakups.
Throughout his college career, he amassed 65 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Cisse's aggressive approach in run support is expected to add tenacity to Green Bay's defensive backfield.
The big picture: Analysts have mixed but largely positive views on Cisse's potential as an NFL player.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic described Cisse as an "unrefined, promising cover athlete" who needs to develop his route recognition and ball skills.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com noted Cisse's explosive athleticism but warned about his lack of instincts and break anticipation.
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic gave the pick an A- grade, emphasizing Cisse's upside and potential for development.
What they're saying: Experts have shared insights on Cisse's performance and prospects.
“Cisse can easily mirror releases and reroute receivers in press coverage,” ESPN highlighted, noting his ability to make quick reads in off coverage.
Zierlein pointed out that Cisse's competitiveness and traits are appealing, but he must refine his technique to maximize effectiveness.
"His athleticism flashes legit CB1 potential," Baumgardner stated, indicating that with time, Cisse could become a key player for the Packers.
By the numbers: Cisse's college stats and physical measurements paint a detailed picture of his capabilities.
Cisse stands at 5-foot-11 ¾ inches and weighs 189 pounds, making him a solid fit for the cornerback position.
His 41-inch vertical jump ranks among the best for cornerbacks, showing his ability to contest passes effectively.
During his time at South Carolina, he allowed only two catches on six targets in his standout game against Virginia Tech.
Between the lines: Cisse's transition from college to the NFL may present challenges, but his potential is undeniable.
His modest production in college raises concerns, but his speed and athletic ability provide a strong foundation for growth.
Cisse's ability to play multiple positions in the secondary increases his value and flexibility for the Packers.
He faces a competitive environment with Nixon and Valentine, pushing him to improve quickly if he wants to secure playing time.
What's next: As Cisse joins the Packers, he will need to adapt to the professional level quickly.
Training camp will be a key period for Cisse to demonstrate his skills and compete for a starting role.
The Packers expect to see improvement in Cisse's technique and game awareness as he gains experience.
Fans closely to see how Cisse integrates into the team's defensive schemes and whether he can ascend the depth chart.