Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
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Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Combine.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is aggressive in his role, and that approach could have him thinking down the road when it comes to an option like Brandon Cisse in the 2026 draft.
Cisse plays what is already a loaded position for the Texans.
Moreover, Caserio’s approach has already seen him trade the team’s top offensive lineman in back-to-back offseasons.
Texans GM Nick Caserio Made Strong Impression on Brandon Cisse
Brandon Cisse, Houston Texans
GettyBrandon Cisse of the South Carolina Gamecocks speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine.
Caserio drew plenty of attention on Tuesday, with the Texans’ GM in Columbia, attending the South Carolina Gamecocks’ pro day, where Cisse starred.
“#Texans GM Nick Cesario is watching South Carolina DB drills by his lonesome,” the Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye reported on X on March 17. “I believe he’s the highest ranking exec in Columbia today.”
Cisse appreciated Caserio’s presence.
“Met them at the combine. So, it was just great seeing him out here, supporting,” Cisse told reporters on Tuesday. “Obviously, that’s a team that produces great defensive backs. So, why would you not want to play in a scheme like that? But he does a great job. He’s a great evaluator, great GM. So, excited that he was here today.”
Pro Football Focus ranked Cisse as the 41st overall prospect and the fifth-best corner prospect in the class amid uncertainty about whether he will be a first or second-round pick.
The Texans own picks Nos. 28 and 38, potentially giving them a pair of opportunities to select Cisse and add him to their talent-laden secondary. Houston could be an ideal landing spot for Cisse in the draft.
Brandon Cisse Needs Time
Brandon Cisse, Houston Texans
GettyBrandon Cisse #15 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs down the field during the Garnet and Black Spring Game.
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein noted that Cisse will need time to develop, which the Texans can afford to give him if they draft the young defender.
There are some rough edges in his game that he must grow out of.
“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. He’s scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter. Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor. However, a lack of instincts and break anticipation could cost him in coverage against quality route runners,” Zierlein wrote.
“Press [coverage] will become a more effective weapon with technical work and his route recognition should improve with more reps. Cisse’s traits and competitiveness are clear selling points, but a lack of on-ball production and coverage consistency create a more volatile floor.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper projected Cisse will land with the Kansas City Chiefs, who own the 29th overall pick in the draft.
That is one slot after the Texans are slated to go on the clock.
“Cisse showed off his explosiveness at the combine, jumping 41 inches in the vertical,” Kiper wrote on March 17. “He anticipates and closes well, with 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons. He could slide right in to the starting lineup.”
Major Roster Decision Looms Large for Texans
Kamari Lassiter, Houston Texans
GettyKamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Seattle Seahawks.
Adding Cisse could be more prudent than it seems. The Texans have All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. and rising star Kamari Lassiter on the perimeter, and they used a third-round selection on Jaylin Smith in 2025.
However, the Texans have already extended Stingley and nickelback Jalen Pitre.
Lassiter and Texans safety and fellow 2024 pick Calen Bullock will soon be due for new deals, too, and Houston signed Reed Blankenship to a three-year, $24.7 million pact in free agency.
It will be nigh impossible for them to keep their entire secondary together. They must also address the respective futures of C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., so Cisse could be an option to soften the blow if the Texans feel Lassiter is the player they are least likely to retain.