Brandon Cisse, a cornerback from South Carolina, declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Dec. 11 following his lone season with the Gamecocks, forgoing his final year of eligibility. Originally from Sumter, South Carolina, Cisse started his collegiate career at NC State as a reserve cornerback his freshman year, played in nine games his sophomore year, then transferred to South Carolina in 2025.
Across three seasons, Cisse has demonstrated considerable growth throughout his college career. In 19 career appearances, Cisse totaled 65 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions, demonstrating his consistent involvement in the secondary.
As he transitions to the professional level, the key question remains how his athleticism and production translate against more refined NFL route runners.
Strengths
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 23, Cisse measured in at 6 feet tall, 189 pounds and he posted elite explosiveness numbers, including a 41-inch vertical and 10-foot-11-inch broad jump. He did not run due to hamstring tightness, but his performance highlighted his lower-body power and overall athletic ability.
He followed that performance with a strong showing at South Carolina’s Pro Day on March 17, where he delivered a more testing profile. Cisse ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash with a 1.53-second 10-yard split, added a 4.33 short shuttle and completed 15 bench press reps.
On the field, Cisse’s physicality is evident both in coverage and run support. During the 2025 season at South Carolina, he started all 12 games and recorded 27 tackles, including 19 solo stops, along with one interception and five pass breakups. His willingness to engage in contact and contribute against the run adds value, particularly in schemes that require corners to play downhill.
His ball skills and awareness also stand out in flashes. Cisse recorded an interception in the 2025 season against Kentucky on Sept. 27 and has shown the ability to read quarterbacks and react quickly in zone coverage. He has totaled two interceptions and 10 pass deflections, indicating an ability to disrupt passing lanes across his career.
Cisse demonstrated early development at NC State, where he appeared in all 13 games as a freshman and later started nine games as a sophomore, where he totaled 28 tackles and five pass breakups. His progression from reserve contributor to full-time starter highlights his growth and adaptability.
Weaknesses
Despite strong testing throughout the pre-draft process, Cisse’s production remains modest compared to top cornerback prospects. Over three seasons, he recorded just two interceptions and has yet to consistently generate turnovers at a high rate, which may raise questions for NFL evaluators.
While his 40 yard dash speed of 4.40 seconds from Pro Day helps answer questions about long speed, his coverage consistency remains an area for improvement. He can struggle with route anticipation and technique against more polished receivers, occasionally allowing separation in man coverage.
Additionally, while he showed strong explosiveness at the combine and solid agility during Pro Day drills, his play speed and change of direction do not always consistently translate on tape. There are instances where he bites on double moves or is late to react, pointing to a need for improved instincts and eye discipline.
While he is a willing tackler, his angles and finishing consistency can be inconsistent at times, limiting his effectiveness in open space. Refinement in these areas will be important as he transitions to the next level.
NFL fit, draft projections
Cisse projects as a development outside cornerback with strong athletic traits and scheme versatility. His size, explosiveness and physicality make him an intriguing option for teams that emphasize press coverage and aggressive run support.
PFF's Predictive Big Board ranks Cisse at No. 41 and projects him as a first-round pick, most likely appearing in the 20 to 30 range.
Teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons could be logical fits. Seattle, the recent Super Bowl champions, have historically prioritized long, physical corners, while Baltimore’s defensive scheme values physicality and versatility in the secondary. Atlanta, continuing to build its secondary, could view Cisse as a depth piece with upside.
Cisse presents an intriguing prospect with clear tools and flashes of playmaking ability. While he remains a projection in some areas, his athletic profile and experience as a multi-year contributor provide a solid foundation for NFL development.
What’s next?
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Coverage will begin at 8 p.m. for Round 1 and will be streamed on the ESPN app.