Seahawks Host Brandon Cisse, Whose 41-Inch Vertical Makes Him Ideal Riq Woolen Successor

Devon Witherspoon is the shutdown cornerback for the secondary, but he needs a sidekick alongside him. While the Seahawks added former first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene and signed Josh Jobe to a three-year, $24 million deal, the defense is looking for a young, explosive playmaker who can fit right in with the group.

There are several cornerbacks that fit the bill in this class and Cisse could be one of them.

Prospect Profile: Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)

Cisse, who turns 21 in July, transferred from NC State to South Carolina ahead of the 2025 season, where he developed into a starter and showcased elite athletic traits.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Cisse posted a 41-inch vertical and a 10'11" broad jump. He followed up his combine performance with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.

Known for his run-defense, PFF graded him as the 18th-best cornerback in terms of run defense in the country last season.

Cornerbacks that can defend the run are crucial for a defense like the Seahawks, which uses the secondary similar to a line of linebackers. With so much pressure in the box, it suffocates opposing running backs, forcing offenses into long passing scenarios, where they throw into a secondary that is hotly contesting opposing receivers.

Here's a look at Cisse's combine numbers compared to Woolen, a fifth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2022.

While Cisse is smaller than Woolen, he is a better run defender than the former Seahawks draft pick, which is why Seattle would look to take him in the draft. While the physical tools are evident, the front office's interest suggests the team values more than just Cisse's athleticism.

Top-30 Visit Gives Major Hint

Under general manager John Schneider, the Seahawks have a high historical frequency of drafting players they bring in for top-30 visits. Last year, the Seahawks brought in offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue, defensive back Nick Emmanwori and quarterback Jalen Milroe, all of whom joined the team down the line.

With only four picks to work with, the Seahawks will value these visits tremendously. Cisse is someone that could be viewed as a first or second-round pick.

Draft Projection

With so many cornerback prospects hovering in the same area as Cisse, he could go anywhere from the late first round to the top of the third round.

The Seahawks have the No. 32 pick in the first round and the No. 64 pick in the second round. It wouldn't be egregious if the Seahawks took him in the first round, but they might gain better value on him if they traded back into the early second and selected him then.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Super Bowl champions from Seattle Seahawks On SI —

Sign Up For the Seahawks Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Seattle Seahawks Newsletter