The Green Bay Packers did not have a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Of course, this is because they traded this year’s and next year’s first round picks to the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons before the start of the 2025 season.
As such, Green Bay did not make their first pick until the 52nd overall selection, a second round pick, on Friday night. And with that pick, they targeted a position that many believed they would early and often.
The Green Bay Packers select Brandon Cisse in the 2026 NFL Draft
With the 52nd overall pick, their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Packers took cornerback Brandon Cisse out of South Carolina:
No. 52 pick is in: #Packers have selected South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse, per sources. pic.twitter.com/2kfTaW8Y3x
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 25, 2026
Per NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein: “Teams will be willing to take a chance on Cisse’s explosive athleticism and upside, but a refinement runway might be needed to smooth some of the rougher edges. He’s scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter.
“Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor. However, a lack of instincts and break anticipation could cost him in coverage against quality route runners. His press will become a more effective weapon with technical work and his route recognition should improve with more reps. Cisse’s traits and competitiveness are clear selling points, but a lack of on-ball production and coverage consistency create a more volatile floor.”
Cisse is coming off a season in which he had 27 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interceptions, and five passes defended.
As Zierlein notes above, there are plenty of room for improvement in Cisse’s game. However, Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is a former defensive backs coach and is known for formatting his defenses around his players’ strengths as opposed to making them fit into a pre-designed scheme.
Hopefully this fit works out for both Cisse and the Packers.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!