Brandon Cisse is a 6 ‘0, 190-pound cornerback from the University of South Carolina. Cisse has been a staple of defensive back play in the Carolinas since his high school days. Starting out at NC State before transferring to South Carolina, Cisse has quietly become perhaps one of the most undervalued prospects in this upcoming NFL Draft.
Cisse has become synonymous with ludicrous speed, which is truly the staple of his game. Cisse has a lean frame with prototypical height that allows him to be a premier man-to-man specialist, if you will. First-step quickness is the highlight of his game, but play strength and tackling firmly remain in the category of having room for improvement. He lacks the lower-body power to consistently fight through the contested catch attempts of bulkier receivers, and he can be out-muscled at the top of the route.
His hip fluidity and transition speed are exceptional, and he has a great backpedal. In zone situations, he displays great break ability thanks to his raw speed. Processing is an area that needs improvement, as he can be slow to identify double moves and is occasionally manipulated by veteran quarterbacks looking to move him with their eyes and downfield vision.
Cisse will not be an interception machine by any stretch of the imagination, but he is a great ball-deflector and will use his recovery burst to disrupt catches. Experienced NFL weapons will likely find success against Cisse in zone-heavy looks. Trying to beat him vertically in man coverage is a long proposition, though.
Scheme and Team Fit
Will best fit in a scheme that runs heavy man and that prioritizes speed on the perimeter. He is an ideal fit for the Seattle Seahawks, where he could unite with former Gamecock Nick Emmanwori, who is now in his second season in the PNW. Mike Macdonald’s fast and physical defense would allow Cisse to learn and refine his game.
NFL Player Comparison: Tariq Woolen (Philadelphia Eagles)
Like Woolen, Cisse thrives in man-to-man looks where he can use his speed to stop receivers and break up passes. His pure athleticism will shine in situations where he and a top-flight receiver are in a constant battle.
Projection: High-End Starter
Cisse is not going to be Deion Sanders on day one. His grabbiness and inconsistency in zone coverage will require him to overcome a learning curve. However, if he is paired with a coaching staff that can sharpen his eye discipline and zone instincts, he has the potential to be a truly dominant CB1. His ceiling is virtually limitless due to his rare physical tools, and he is a lock to be a high-upside investment early on Day 2, perhaps on Day 1 if a team feels like taking a gamble.
Grade and Round Projection: 5.28 out of 7, Round 2 Pick
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