Just as Brian Gutekunst promised, the Green Bay Packers have made their move at cornerback.
The Packers have selected South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse at No. 52 overall, and it spells doom for Carrington Valentine and his future in Green Bay.
Valentine's inconsistent play in coverage and tackling nightmares have already put his starting job in jeopardy. Now, Cisse's arrival will almost certainly send him to the bench. The Packers have landed a significant upgrade in the secondary, and they may have just found the CB1 this defense was crying out for.
Packers' Brandon Cisse selection could signal the end for Carrington Valentine
Valentine is entering the final year of his rookie contract, but he is running out of chances to remain in contention for a new deal. The Packers already cranked up the pressure by signing free-agent cornerback Benjamin St-Juste earlier this offseason, and Cisse's arrival may have closed the door on Valentine's time in Green Bay beyond 2026.
Cisse checks so many boxes for the Packers. Gutekunst prioritizes athleticism early in the draft, and Cisse's Relative Athletic Score of 9.24 is among the best at his position in this year's class. He is a little lighter than Green Bay typically prefers, but he is just under 6 feet.
According to Pro Football Focus, Valentine allowed a career-worst passer rating of 103.9 in his coverage last season. Add in the 10 missed tackles, and the Packers simply had to target an upgrade early in the draft.
And the worst part for Valentine? The Packers likely aren't done. Gutekunst said they will "add numbers" at cornerback. Cisse could be the first of several defensive backs walking through the doors at 1265 Lombardi Ave this weekend.
The Packers still have other needs to address at defensive tackle and edge-rusher, but they have taken a huge step toward fixing their biggest concern.
Keisean Nixon will remain a starter on the outside. Now, it's likely a competition between Cisse and St-Juste to play on the other side.
With Javon Bullard thriving in the slot, it likely leaves Valentine on the outside looking in.
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