GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has offered an upbeat early assessment of rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse, underscoring the attention the second‑round pick has drawn in training camp and the preseason.
Coach highlights work ethic and technique
Gannon, in his first season as Packers defensive coordinator after three years as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, singled out Cisse’s combination of on‑field execution and off‑field habits during comments shared by the team Saturday.
“He covered well, he was physical… before you send him a text about a certain play and his technique, he’s sending you the text first. That’s good to see,” Gannon said.
The coach’s praise pointed to two elements the new scheme stresses: physicality and attention to detail. Those traits have been recurring themes in Gannon’s remarks about the secondary as he looks to install a system that demands both from veteran and rookie players.
Cisse’s profile and college production
Cisse, a 21‑year‑old who turned 21 in July, was selected 52nd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. Listed at 5‑foot‑11 and 189 pounds, he posted notable testing numbers at his pro day and combine: a 4.41‑second 40‑yard dash and a 41‑inch vertical jump, figures that helped underline the athleticism he brings to the Packers’ roster.
Across 12 games in his final college season with the Gamecocks — after two seasons at North Carolina State — Cisse’s statistical line shows steady production rather than gaudy counting stats:
| Category | 2025 college season |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 27 |
| Tackles for loss | 1.5 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Pass breakups | 5 |
| Forced fumbles | 1 |
| Games | 12 |
Competition and opportunity in Green Bay
The Packers entered the draft without a first‑round pick and used their early Day 2 choice to prioritise cornerback. Cisse has been working alongside veterans in a corner group that includes Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, plus free‑agent addition Benjamin St‑Juste.
Gannon’s emphasis on competition in the secondary has opened opportunities for younger players to earn significant reps. Cisse has taken snaps with the first‑team defence at times in camp, including drills and matchups against receiver Christian Watson, gaining exposure to the speed and demands of an NFL passing game.
- Self‑starter: Coaches have noted Cisse’s habit of pre‑emptively communicating about technique and plays.
- Physicality: Gannon referenced his physical coverage during camp work.
- Developmental fit: Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has described the player as a mature prospect, aligning with Green Bay’s track record of developing young talent.
What this means for fans in Brandon
Brandon readers with an eye on the NFL can view Cisse’s early progress as part of broader roster decisions that will shape Green Bay’s pass defence this season. While it is early in the process — training camp and preseason snaps are not final roster determinations — the rookie’s combination of testing metrics, college production and coachable demeanour give him a plausible path to meaningful playing time if he maintains that trajectory.
For a city that follows pro football across Manitoba, Cisse’s development is worth watching: his size and athletic testing suggest upside, and the coaching staff has publicly acknowledged the traits they value. How the competition among corners resolves over the coming weeks will determine whether Cisse moves from promising rookie to a regular contributor on game day.
As the preseason unfolds, Packers supporters in Brandon and across Manitoba will likely track snap counts and matchups, looking for further confirmation of the early praise — and for signs that the team’s investment in young defensive talent is paying off.
This report is based on coaching comments and verified player data shared by the Packers and scouting reports during the 2026 draft and combine process.
