Brandon Cisse

NFL Draft Profile: Brandon Cisse

Position: Cornerback | School: South Carolina (via NC State) | Class: Junior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 190 lbs | Archetype: Man

College Career Summary

Brandon Cisse transitioned from a high-upside contributor at NC State to a premier boundary defender in the SEC for the 2025 season. After transferring to South Carolina in the spring of 2025, Cisse immediately secured a starting role and became the focal point of the Gamecocks' secondary. Known for his elite "burner" speed (reportedly in the 4.3 range) and fluid hip transitions, he held opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage under 40% in 2025. Despite a minor mid-season knee scare against LSU, Cisse proved his durability by returning to anchor a defense that faced some of the nation’s top passing attacks. He officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on December 11, 2025, leaving college as one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks in the country.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 34

• Total Tackles: 65 (27 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 2.5 (1.5 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 2 (1 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 10 (5 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 1 (in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Virginia Tech	2 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B+	Strong debut; showcased elite recovery speed.
vs. SC State	1 Tkl	B	Targeted rarely; disciplined in deep third.
vs. Vanderbilt	5 Tkl, 1 FF	A-	Star Impact. Physical at the point of attack; forced fumble.
@ Missouri	4 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	Active in run support; solid tackle for loss.
vs. Kentucky	3 Tkl	B	Lockdown performance; blanked his side of the field.
@ LSU	1 Tkl	C	Injury. Exited early in 2nd quarter due to knee hit.
vs. Oklahoma	1 Tkl	B-	Gritty return from injury; limited snap count.
vs. Alabama	3 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Challenged by elite WRs; held his own in Man.
@ Ole Miss	2 Tkl	B-	Struggled slightly with tempo but stayed in phase.
@ Texas A&M	4 Tkl, 1 PD	A-	Mental Toughness. Crucial PBU in a 1-point game.
vs. Coastal Car.	1 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Ball Skills. Flashy interception in a blowout win.
vs. Clemson	0 Tkl, 2 PD	B+	Elite Pass Breakups; targets were nearly non-existent.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Recovery Speed: Cisse possesses world-class "track speed." If he is beaten at the line, he has the rare Acceleration to catch up and make a play on the ball.

• Man Coverage Specialist: He is "glued" to receivers. His Footwork and fluid hips allow him to mirror complex route stems without losing a step.

• Physical at the Catch Point: Despite a leaner frame, he is extremely comfortable hand-fighting bigger receivers and playing through the hands to disrupt the catch.

• Ascending Production: His stats improved every year, moving from a role player at NC State to a lockdown starter in the SEC.

Weaknesses

• Tackling Consistency: While a willing participant, he can occasionally be "dragged" by larger running backs. Needs to add functional strength to his 190 lb frame.

• Disengaging Blocks: Can get stuck on blocks in the screen game. Improving his Technique to shed physical perimeter blockers is a must.

• Discipline: His High Motor can lead to occasional over-pursuit on play-action, leaving the deep third vulnerable.

Scheme Fit: Ideal CB1/CB2 in a Press-Man heavy system (Seahawks/Ravens style).

NFL Comparison: Nate Wiggins (Ravens)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 20/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Brandon Cisse is the kind of cornerback prospect that NFL General Managers dream about.

He is 20 years old on draft day, standing 6'0" with elite speed and fluid movement. His 2025 film at South Carolina showed he can handle the gauntlet of SEC wide receivers while playing through mid-season adversity. While he needs to continue adding bulk to handle the physical rigors of NFL run defense, his ceiling as a "Lockdown Corner" is arguably the highest in this class.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Top 25)