The Green Bay Packers used their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft to nab South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse. It wasn't a surprise to see the Packers look to improve the cornerback room.
Cisse is an exciting prospect who still needs some refinement, but he has already made some positive impressions around the building. Through OTAs and minicamp, Cisse has made it clear he will fight his way up the depth chart.
In an article written by Paul Bretl of the Wisconsin State Journal, he discussed Cisse's progress as he spoke to several players and coaches.
"He looks pretty good. Certainly, he's got a ton to learn and a lot to improve upon, as to be expected of any young player. He's just got to continue to build on the foundation he set, and I think for all these guys it's critical when they're away from here, it's the work you put in (that) is going to show up when training camp comes around,” Matt LaFleur stated about Cisse.
Fellow cornerback Keisean Nixon also said that Cisse is like a "sponge" as he absorbs any information that's thrown his way. It's obvious that Cisse really cares about the game, and it's already showing.
Brandon Cisse is giving Packers plenty to think about heading into training camp
Bretl pointed out that while Nixon and Carrington Valentine have been the starters at CB, Cisse has still made several plays when he's taken the field. There were times he had gotten beaten, but that's to be expected with him being a rookie.
Cisse has gotten his hands on the ball to break up multiple passes and forced some tight-window throws due to his sticky coverage. Even though pads aren't on yet, he has shown he's willing to stick his nose as a tackler in the run game. The rookie even expressed that defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will give some tough love. He will praise him when he makes a play, but at the same time, Gannon will call him out when his technique lacks or he gives up a completion.
Cisse appreciates that kind of coaching, and that's something that will make him a better player down the line, as great practice reps translate to gameday. The work that the 20-year-old has put in this spring isn't going unnoticed and will help him when it comes to playing time during camp and preseason.
Last season with the Gamecocks, Cisse allowed 47 percent of passes to be completed on him over 38 targets. He's an explosive athlete with the speed to fly to the ball. The South Carolina native has all the traits you look for, yet now it's about fine-tuning the details.
While he still has some work to do, Cisse made some great first impressions, and that should help springboard him up the depth chart if he continues to produce at this level. And that's exactly what fans want to see after he was nabbed with their first draft pick in April.
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