The Green Bay Packers are focusing on strengthening their cornerback depth ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the need to add more players to this position group.
Key points
Brandon Cisse is a new cornerback for the Packers.
The Packers are prioritizing cornerback depth.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst highlighted the need for more players.
Cisse arrived at rookie minicamp on May 1, 2026.
Green Bay PackersBrandon Cisse
Green Bay Packers Brandon Cisse (2) arrives during rookie minicamp Friday, May 1 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Green Bay Packers Brandon Cisse (2) arrives during rookie minicamp Friday, May 1 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Packers made their number-one priority clear.
At a pre-draft news conference, reporters asked General Manager Brian Gutekunst about the current status of the cornerback room.
āWeāre going to add numbers there,ā he said. āThatās probably our group, from a numbers perspective, that as we sit here today, weāre going to need to add the most numbers.ā
Not having a first-round pick this year made the task more difficult. The Packers could not easily target a perimeter lockdown defender for their secondary until as early as the second round.
The Green Bay Packers used their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in the second round on Brandon Cisse, a cornerback out of South Carolina. For the first time since 2021, Green Bay used a top-100 pick on a cornerback (Eric Stokes).
Q&A
What is Brandon Cisse's role with the Green Bay Packers?
Brandon Cisse is a cornerback who recently joined the Green Bay Packers during rookie minicamp.
Why do the Packers need to boost their cornerback depth?
General Manager Brian Gutekunst indicated that the cornerback position is currently lacking in numbers and requires additional players.
When did Brandon Cisse arrive at the Packers' minicamp?
Brandon Cisse arrived at the Packers' rookie minicamp on May 1, 2026.
What did Brian Gutekunst say about the Packers' cornerback room?
Brian Gutekunst stated that the Packers will need to add more players to their cornerback group as a priority ahead of the draft.
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Knowing Cisse was still available at pick 52, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst didnāt hesitate with the decision.
āHe was one of those players that we didnāt see being available when we were picking at 52,ā said Gutenkust.
As young as Cisse is, the Packers have full belief in him. They had no hesitation in selecting him when their pick came around.
āHe played at a high level this year. We think heās going to really help us next year, and we think his upside is really good,ā Gutenkust added.
Combine Overview
The 20-year-old out of South Carolina had a very productive showing at the NFL Combine.
He ranked fifth overall among all cornerbacks with a total score of 79, including an 80 athleticism score, which also ranked in the top five in the class. To top it off, he posted a 74 production score, ranking eighth among all cornerbacks.Ā
Lance Zierlein, an NFL analyst, highlighted the traits that Cisse brings to the table in his profile on NFL.com: āHeās scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter. Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor.ā
Brandon Cisseās Fit in Packersā Secondary
In Cisseās last collegiate season for South Carolina, he made an impact in all phases of the game. In the 2025-26 season, he tallied 27 tackles (19 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He also continued to show this dominance by being named the teamās Defensive Newcomer of spring practices and Co-Newcomer of the spring on special teams.
Heading into this season, Green Bayās cornerback room remains wide open for competition.
Recently, new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon made that clear when discussing the group. āRoles are not defined by any means,ā said Gannon.
Proven throughout his collegiate career, Cisse brings a mix of athleticism and versatility that should make an immediate impact while offering long-term upside. He fills a clear need for Green Bay and adds depth to a wide-open cornerback room.Ā
With continued development, Brandon Cisse has the potential to become a key piece of the Packersā secondary for years to come.
