There’s a strong argument that the Green Bay Packers second-round pick Brandon Cisse is the most talented cornerback in the team’s current group. However, considering how the Packers typically avoid giving rookies major responsibility early on, the bigger question is how quickly he can earn the coaching staff’s trust during the 2026 season.
“A lot to like about Brandon Cisse,” Packers scout Mike Owen said about Cisse after the draft. “Smart, tough, physical corner. Got good foot quickness, can run. A lot to like about him and he’s wired right, that’s the biggest thing at the end of the day.”
Cisse was not the only addition Brian Gutekunst made to Green Bay’s secondary this offseason. The Packers also drafted Domani Jackson, while adding Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, creating plenty of competition for starting spots both in base defense and in the nickel package.
Keisean Nixon originally earned his payday with Green Bay because of his elite kick return ability, which helped him earn two All-Pro selections, so it is understandable why some fans would prefer to keep him focused primarily on special teams. However, barring a surprise, it feels almost guaranteed that Nixon will open the season as one of Green Bay’s starting outside cornerbacks in Week 1.
The bigger battle will be for the CB2 spot opposite him. While that competition should remain open throughout training camp, Benjamin St-Juste probably deserves a slight edge entering the summer. Beyond having significantly more NFL experience than rookie Cisse, St-Juste is also a much better run-defender than Carrington Valentine.
Javon Bullard is going to handle the nickel role, while Nixon and St-Juste feel like the favorites to start on the outside in Green Bay’s 4-2-5 defense. Still, that doesn’t mean Cisse won’t find playing time as a rookie. In obvious passing situations, there is a path for him to earn snaps early because his natural coverage ability already looks more polished than anyone on the team.
So, I understand Green Bay wanting to avoid playing Cisse too early and potentially diminishing his confidence before he is fully ready. At the same time, I have never been a fan of keeping talented players on the bench simply because they are rookies, especially when they might already be better than some of the veterans ahead of them.
We saw a similar situation unfold in 2024 with Evan Williams and Edgerrin Cooper. Both started the year in rotational roles, but once they began seeing significant playing time, it became clear they were much better options than the players who had initially been starting ahead of them. If Cisse proves the same thing on the field, Green Bay shouldn’t wait too long before expanding his role in the secondary.
I expect Brandon Cisse to already be a starter by the time Green Bay’s Week 11 bye arrives, but the more likely scenario is him gradually earning his way into the lineup rather than immediately opening the season in that role. Still, hopefully that transition happens sooner rather than later, because Cisse is the most talented cornerback in Green Bay’s current group.
