Brandon Cisse, CB
School: South Carolina | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6’0” / 189 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round
Player Comparison: Terrion Arnold
Player Overview
In his hometown of Sumter, South Carolina, Brandon Cisse played on both sides of the ball. He had over 1,200 all-purpose yards while also registering 37 tackles, an interception, and two forced fumbles on defense. Cisse earned a three-star recruit ranking and interest from mostly smaller schools. NC State was the only power conference school to make Cisse an offer, so that is where he started his career.
Cisse enrolled at NC State the January before his first season with the Wolfpack. It paid off for him as he was able to play in all 13 games as a true freshman, making a modest impact on defense and special teams. The following season, Cisse had an increased role and increased production for NC State, but a wrist injury led to him missing three games. At the season’s end, he transferred back to his home state to play for the Gamecocks with his younger brother, Cedric. Cisse had his most productive year as a junior, showcasing his athletic ability and physicality throughout the season.
Athletic testing (4.40 40-yard dash) translates to his play on the field, especially his explosiveness
Has quick feet to mirror receivers off the line of scrimmage
Disruptive punch in press man and he’s physical throughout route
Can flip hips and carry receivers downfield
Can close on passes quickly when he play off coverage
Physical run defender who will take on blockers to get to the ball
Weaknesses
Can miss tackles diving at ankles of ball carriers
Currently relies on his athleticism more than instincts
Young prospect who struggles with understanding routes in off-man coverage and zone
Struggles to find the ball in the air, explaining the small amount of interceptions
Physicality might draw more penalties at the next level
Let’s See His Work
(via nfl.com/iq)
How He Fits on the Commanders
Even after the free agent signings of Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon, the Commanders appear interested in adding more talent to the position group that also includes promising young cornerbacks Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil. After releasing Marshon Lattimore, there is a lot of incentive for the team to add a starter outside. The team could also value players that offer position versatility in the secondary with the ability to play inside and out.
Brandon Cisse is an intriguing prospect at cornerback. Undoubtedly, he has the athleticism for the position in abundance. He also has the physicality to play press man effectively and be an asset against the run. However, Cisse is raw and still developing his technique and understanding of route concepts in off coverage. As a true junior that is only 20 years old, there may be a lot of room for Cisse to grow into a quality starter in the NFL that can play outside and with some versatility to play in the slot. If the Commanders are confident in their ability to develop him, Cisse could reward them with starting outside cornerback play.
One small issue is Cisse is projected to be a second-round pick, and the Commanders lack a pick in that round. It’s possible that he makes it their third-round pick, but it would be a longshot. If Adam Peters can trade back in the first round and add a pick in the second round, Cisse is a prospect that could improve the Commanders’ cornerback group.