Mike Macdonald Brandon Cisse
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CBS Sports' Garrett Podell slotted cornerback Brandon Cisse to Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks at No. 32 overall in his new 2026 NFL mock draft.
Mike Macdonald did masterful work for the Seattle Seahawks defense on the franchise’s way to their second Super Bowl title. Macdonald’s defense capped off its incredible season shutting down Drake Maye and the New England Patriots.
This offseason, CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell sees Macdonald working his magic again on a potential first-round draft pick.
At No. 32 overall, Podell projected the Seahawks to grab South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse. Podell strongly suggested Macdonald was the ideal coach for Cisse’s NFL development.
“A number of defensive backs from the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense are set to become free agents: Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Coby Bryant. The Super Bowl champs might be able to retain all of them, but their cap space will be tight given all the players who need new deals after their title run,” wrote Podell. “Cisse has ideal NFL size for the cornerback position, and he’s got the speed and agility required as well. He relies on his vision and top notch closing speed to close opponents’ air space to make plays on the football.
“He could be better with his physicality in press man coverage and against the run, but Cisse has the perfect coach to help him level up in Mike Macdonald.”
In 12 games at South Carolina last season, Cisse posted 27 combined tackles. He also had 1.5 tackles for loss with five pass defenses and one interception.
Seahawks Projected to Add CB Brandon Cisse
As Podell explained, the Seahawks have questions to answer in their secondary. The team, though, could re-sign all of its key free agents because of its cap space.
According to Spotrac, the Seahawks are fifth in the league with $73.1 million to spend this offseason. That space could allow the Seahawks to fill any potential roster hole they have this offseason.
So, the No. 32 selection could be a luxury pick of sorts for Seattle. The team could add a prospect that fits a type, not a position.
Cisse fits that description as a boom-or-bust type prospect.
“Teams will be willing to take a chance on Cisse’s explosive athleticism and upside, but a refinement runway might be needed to smooth some of the rougher edges,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Cisse’s traits and competitiveness are clear selling points, but a lack of on-ball production and coverage consistency create a more volatile floor.”
Why Cisse Would Fit in Mike Macdonald’s Defense
Depending on how the Seahawks use their cap space, selecting a cornerback could be less of a luxury pick. As Podell mentioned, defensive backs Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Coby Bryant are all unrestricted free agents.
Spotrac projected all those three of those defensive backs to be worth more than $8 million in average annual salary this offseason. Spotrac predicted Bryant to be the most expensive at $14.28 million per season.
Cisse wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Bryant. But if Cisse developed under Macdonald as Podell predicted he could, the cornerback could replace Bryant’s playmaking ability.
Cisse began his college career at NC State. In 34 career games, he registered 65 combined tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, 10 pass defenses, and two interceptions.