Brandon Cisse sends firm message on Packers impact as high expectations and versatility shape his outlook
The Packers selected South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse in the second round, and he arrives under pressure to solve a huge roster problem.
It was not a surprise when the Green Bay Packers utilized the 52nd overall pick to select South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse. He fills the most pressing need on the roster, is highly athletic, and is young enough to have a lot of room for improvement as a player.
Right after the selection in the second round, Cisse spoke to the media and detailed how he likes to play football. The willingness to play the run and tackle isn’t a coincidence.
“Just a player that can play everywhere, play fast, physical, relentless, stay with it in the game,” Cisse said. “Just looking to contribute any way they want me to contribute from day one and give the organization everything I have.”
Impact on multiple areas
Brandon Cisse is primarily a boundary corner, but he can also play in the slot if needed. Throughout his three college football seasons — two at NC State, the last one at South Carolina — Cisse played 638 snaps outside and 204 inside. Last year, he allowed a 78.9 passer rating when targeted (NFL standard numbers), with seven pass breakups.
“Whatever they need me to do, I can do it,” Cisse added. “So that’s the good thing about it. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll be able to play.”
Coverage is obviously the most important part of his position, but Cisse had an 89.2 run defense grade this past season, including 26 tackles and 13 stops.
“I pride myself on being able to put myself in the fit, so I’m excited for it,” he explained. “And that’s something that I really love showcasing in my game, it’s being able to be a complete corner. So I pride myself on being able to come up in the fit and make a lot of plays.”
Over the past two years in particular, the Packers have had a lot of questions in the cornerback room — the team hadn’t drafted a player at the position before the seventh round since 2021. After signing Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, Brandon Cisse is another piece to solve the problem. And that alternative has a huge upside to be a long-term solution.
