Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Packers made their number-one priority clear.
At a pre-draft news conference, reporters asked General Manager Brian Gutekunst about the current status of the cornerback room.
“We’re going to add numbers there,” he 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.”
Not having a first-round pick this year made the task more difficult. The Packers could not easily target a perimeter lockdown defender for their secondary until as early as the second round.
The Packers Select Brandon Cisse
The Green Bay Packers used their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in the second round on Brandon Cisse, a cornerback out of South Carolina. For the first time since 2021, Green Bay used a top-100 pick on a cornerback (Eric Stokes).
Knowing Cisse was still available at pick 52, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst didn’t hesitate with the decision.
“He was one of those players that we didn’t see being available when we were picking at 52,” said Gutenkust.
As young as Cisse is, the Packers have full belief in him. They had no hesitation in selecting him when their pick came around.
“He played at a high level this year. We think he’s going to really help us next year, and we think his upside is really good,” Gutenkust added.
Combine Overview
The 20-year-old out of South Carolina had a very productive showing at the NFL Combine.
He ranked fifth overall among all cornerbacks with a total score of 79, including an 80 athleticism score, which also ranked in the top five in the class. To top it off, he posted a 74 production score, ranking eighth among all cornerbacks.
Lance Zierlein, an NFL analyst, highlighted the traits that Cisse brings to the table in his profile on NFL.com: “He’s scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter. Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor.”
Brandon Cisse’s Fit in Packers’ Secondary
In Cisse’s last collegiate season for South Carolina, he made an impact in all phases of the game. In the 2025-26 season, he tallied 27 tackles (19 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He also continued to show this dominance by being named the team’s Defensive Newcomer of spring practices and Co-Newcomer of the spring on special teams.
Heading into this season, Green Bay’s cornerback room remains wide open for competition.
Recently, new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon made that clear when discussing the group. “Roles are not defined by any means,” said Gannon.
The addition of Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, along with Cisse and Domani Jackson in the Draft, reinforces that.
Proven throughout his collegiate career, Cisse brings a mix of athleticism and versatility that should make an immediate impact while offering long-term upside. He fills a clear need for Green Bay and adds depth to a wide-open cornerback room.
With continued development, Brandon Cisse has the potential to become a key piece of the Packers’ secondary for years to come.
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