South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse Meeting With Cowboys, Seahawks
While Brandon Cisse may be on the outside of the top-tier CB prospects, the South Carolina product is still generating plenty of interest ahead of the draft. According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, Cisse met with the Cowboys earlier this week and is set to also visit the Seahawks.
The former three-star recruit spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at NC State before transferring to South Carolina for the 2025 campaign. He finished this year with 27 total tackles, an interception, and five passes defended, and he notably allowed catches on only 34.6% of his targets.
That performance vaulted him up draft boards, with scouts lauding his physical ability and upside. There are some rightful questions regarding his instincts, especially when it comes to positioning and route recognition, but his makeup has led many to believe the defensive back can be coached up in the NFL.
It’s still uncertain how high Cisse will rise up the ranks. Few pundits have him ranked above any of the top CB prospects, a grouping that includes Mansoor Delane, Jermod McCoy, and Colton Hood. At the very least, he’s destined to hear his name called in the first few rounds, and there’s a chance he’s even selected during the first day of the draft.
The Cowboys have two shots at the South Carolina cornerback, although the No. 20 pick would be a more realistic landing spot (or a trade back). Dallas has been seeking a long-term solution at CB, especially after they moved on from both Kaiir Elam and Trevon Diggs in 2025. The team’s only notable move at the position was adding Cobie Durant to a grouping of holdovers that includes DaRon Bland, Reddy Steward, Shavon Revel, and Caelen Carson. The Cowboys already hosted Delane, and perhaps their ability to snag the LSU CB with their No. 12 selection would influence their interest in Cisse.
The Seahawks and their No. 32 pick would be a logical suitor for Cisse. There were rumors last month that the front office could be targeting cornerbacks early in the draft. The Seahawks lost Riq Woolen in free agency, with Noah Igbinoghene being signed to soak up at least a portion of those snaps. Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe will still lead the CBs room heading into 2026, but an early-round addition would certainly help improve the team’s depth.
South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse Declares For 2026 Draft
Projected first-round pick South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse is declaring early for the 2026 NFL Draft, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
“I’m excited to fulfill my lifelong dream,” Cisse said (via Thamel). “It’s definitely been a special feeling. It’s something I prayed for my whole life.”
Cisse, 20, is a true junior and former three-star recruit who originally committed to North Carolina State. He lined up in dime packages as a freshman and took on a bigger role in 2023, leading to a transfer to South Carolina earlier this year.
The six-foot, 190-pound corner started every game for the Gamecocks this year and recorded 19 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended. Cisse’s production is not particularly exciting, but his age, athleticism, and coverage skills are. He has allowed catches on only 34.6% of his targets this season, per ESPN’s Jordan Reid, as part of a breakout season that has seen him shoot up big boards.
Many early draft rankings – including those from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Pro Football Focus, and ESPN’s Matt Miller – have him pegged as a first-round pick and one of the top cornerbacks available. Cisse’s youth gives him tremendous upside, so he could be viewed similarly to Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, who was taken 29th overall in the 2024 draft.