The Green Bay Packers selected cornerback Brandon Cisse from South Carolina with the 52nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, receiving positive reviews from fans and analysts. Cisse, who was ranked 45th overall, is seen as a valuable addition to the team's defensive lineup.
Key points
Packers selected Brandon Cisse with the 52nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Cisse was ranked 45th overall and is a cornerback from South Carolina
Early reactions from fans and analysts are positive
Cisse's athleticism and fit for the defense are highlighted
He has a background at NC State and South Carolina
Mentioned in this story
South Carolina Gamecocks
Brandon CisseGreen Bay Packers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Brandon Cisse of the South Carolina Gamecocks poses for a portrait during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Green Bay Packers have made their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting cornerback Brandon Cisse out of South Carolina. The player, position, and value all lined up perfectly for Cisse, who should be a very interesting addition to the cornerback room.
This was a good value pick based on the consensus board. Cisse finished the draft process in the 45th overall spot, making him one of the top players left on the board when the Packers made their selection. The reaction from Packers fans has been overwhelmingly positive for the pick, so let’s take a spin through social media to see some of the immediate feelings on the selection.
Let’s start off with the Packers’ own social media team:
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 25, 2026
Here’s a more detailed reaction to the pick from Wes Hodkiewicz and Larry McCarren:
Our Instant Reax
@amfam
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 25, 2026
Cisse himself was thrilled by his selection. Here’s a shot of his draft party in South Carolina, where he got emotional hearing his name called on television.
Packers second-round pick Brandon Cisse was brought to tears after hearing the big news 🥹
— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026
Cisse’s girlfriend, shown next to him in the video above, was probably just as excited, if not more, for his landing spot, given her family’s background:
New Packers CB Brandon Cisse says his girlfriend's family is from Wisconsin and huge Packers fans.
Q&A
Who is Brandon Cisse and why was he drafted by the Packers?
Brandon Cisse is a cornerback from South Carolina, drafted by the Packers with the 52nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his strong performance and fit for the team's defensive needs.
What are the early reactions to the Packers' pick of Brandon Cisse?
Early reactions to the pick have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans and analysts praising Cisse's athleticism and potential impact on the team's defense.
What is Brandon Cisse's background before joining the Packers?
Before joining the Packers, Brandon Cisse played for South Carolina and was previously at NC State, showcasing a strong passion for football throughout his career.
How does Brandon Cisse fit into the Packers' defensive strategy?
Cisse is expected to enhance the Packers' young defensive core with his elite athleticism and skills, making him a promising addition to their secondary.
Related Articles
Sports
Paul Skenes takes perfect game into 7th inning, loses it on grounder from Jake Bauers
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Pirates ace Paul Skenes flirts with perfect game, continues dominant stretch since Opening Day disaster
CBS Sports Headlines·
Sports
Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton exits game vs. Astros after running the bases
Yahoo Sports·
NFL
Atlanta Falcons draft former Georgia Bulldog Zachariah Branch in 3rd round of 2026 NFL Draft
Atlanta Falcons select Zachariah Branch from Georgia in 3rd round of 2026 NFL Draft
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Why Vikings' new draft pick Domonique Orange has incredible nickname: 'Big Citrus'
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Giancarlo Stanton pulled from Friday’s game with possible lower-body injury
Giancarlo Stanton leaves game against Astros with potential injury.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
— weston hodkiewicz (@WesHod) April 25, 2026
Mike Owen is one of the Packers’ scouts in the southeast area, and he lives around 30 minutes from South Carolina’s campus. He developed a relationship with Cisse going back to his days at NC State, but carried that through the corner’s transfer to Columbia. Clearly his familiarity with Cisse was a big plus for the Packers:
Packers scout Mike Owen on Brandon Cisse's love of football:
"Always watching a ton of football. Any time I went there, he's in the recruiting office watching NFL, college, or high school. That's what I love about the kid. Really loves football."
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by\_JBH) April 25, 2026
APC’s resident artist is already in on the action, posting her highly lifelike visualization of Cisse wearing Green and Gold:
Here’s some more reaction on the Cisse pick from Peter Bukowski of Locked On Packers:
With the 52nd overall pick, Green Bay selects South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse. At 6’0”, 189 lbs, and not even 21 until July, the upside is through the roof. Elite athleticism and a perfect fit for the Packers' young defensive core. 🧀 #LockedOnPackers
