Corner Brandon Cisse is selected by the Packers in the second round

GREEN BAY − Brian Gutekunst didn’t wait to target the biggest need on his roster in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Green Bay Packers general manager selected South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse with the 52nd overall pick, adding competition to a vacant starting job in the secondary.

Cisse has ideal size for a perimeter corner at 5-11 3/4 and 189 pounds. He did not run at the NFL scouting combine but recorded a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at South Carolina’s pro day. He had only two interceptions in his three-year college career but is considered a quality run defender in addition to his coverage tangibles.

At the start of this offseason, Gutekunst said he wanted to create competition on his cornerback depth chart. He doubled down earlier this week saying the Packers will add bodies at the position. Gutekunst had the patience to wait until his original slot to make his initial pick in this draft, and he turned straight to corner.

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Cornerback was the most glaring opening on the Packers’ depth chart when it comes to available starting jobs. The Packers already signed cornerback Benjamin St-Juste in free agency earlier this spring. He and Cisse figure to compete for a starting spot on the perimeter opposite Keisean Nixon, who will own the other starting spot. Javon Bullard slots in as their nickel corner.

Even if Cisse doesn’t win the starting job out of camp, his presence along with Carrington Valentine provides much better depth at the position, a primary goal for Gutekunst this offseason.