Packers' Rookie Brandon Cisse Receives Major Award

Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse has been named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for his strong play in October.

The Packers selected Cisse with the 52nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Green Bay selected him with the first pick they owned in the draft, as they sent their first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to the Dallas Cowboys in the Micah Parsons trade.

Cisse has proven to be worth the investment, as he had 21 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, seven pass deflections, and an interception in October. The 21-year-old is developing into a top cornerback and will be a key part of Green Bay's defense as they look to make a deep playoff run.

In his rookie season, Cisse has recorded 34 total tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, eight pass deflections, and an interception.

He has been a productive starter on the outside and is thriving in Jonathan Gannon's system. Gannon has had the Packers' defense playing at an elite level in his first season as the defensive coordinator, despite missing two of their best defensive players.

Superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons has returned to practice, but has not played in a game since he tore his ACL at the end of the 2025 season. Getting Parsons back on the field soon could help the defense reach the next level, as he is one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Green Bay is also without linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who went down with a torn Achilles tendon against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early in the season.

Despite those key pieces being out, the Packers have been a tough defense to match up against. Cisse and the secondary have played a major role in that, and fellow cornerback Keisean Nixon has also played at a high level.

Green Bay has also leaned on their three safeties to make an impact. Evan Williams was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for his play, while Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard have also played well.

Williams is playing at an All-Pro caliber level, while McKinney has been an All-Pro in the past, and Bullard is thriving in his role. Gannon's defensive schemes are fully unlocking the potential of the Packers' secondary, which had some question marks at cornerback heading into the season.

Cisse will look to finish his rookie season strong and help the Packers make a run at the Super Bowl, and he could be a pivotal piece on their defense for the foreseeable future.