Summary

Aireontae Ersery was selected in the 2nd Round (#48 Overall) of the 2025 Draft out of University of Minnesota. Ersery is a physically imposing offensive tackle prospect whose combination of size, strength, and movement ability make him a compelling young starter at the NFL level. He developed through a solid collegiate career at Minnesota, anchoring their offensive line, and enters the league with obvious traits for success. His transition will hinge on how quickly he refines his technique—especially in pass protection—against NFL-caliber edge rushers. With proper coaching and scheme fit, he has the potential to be a long-term starter; if the subtleties don’t come together, he may settle as a solid but not dominant lineman.

Strengths

• Elite size, length and physical foundation: At 6′6″ and 331 lbs with long arms and a big wingspan, Ersery has the prototypical frame for an offensive tackle. NFL Draft Buzz

• Strong run-blocking ability: He shows excellent initial push, good stamina at the point of attack, and the ability to engage combo blocks and second-level blocks in Minnesota’s zone‐based system. Bleacher Report

• Athletic movement for his size: Moves well for a player his size—he can pull, climb, and sustain blocks laterally better than many large tackles. Yahoo Sports

• Durability and consistency: He started 38 consecutive games at Minnesota and earned major conference recognition, which speaks to his availability and reliability. Houston Texans

• Competitiveness and finishing mentality: Scouts have praised his mindset, willingness to finish blocks, and physicality in the trenches. Bleacher Report

Weaknesses

• Hand timing and punch inconsistencies in pass protection: Ersery can be late with his punch or get caught by quick edge counters/swipes because his strike timing isn’t always elite. Bleacher Report

• Leverage and pad‐level issues: Due to his length and size, he sometimes plays more upright, which can make him vulnerable against shorter, explosive rushers who gain the inside angle. The Draft Network

• Recovery and mirror capability against elite bend/counter rushers: While agile for his size, he still shows limitations in replicating the movement of the most athletic edge rushers, especially when redirected. NFL Draft Buzz

• Ceiling slightly capped if pass-pro remains average: Although he has starter traits, if his pass protection doesn’t improve significantly, he may end up a competent starter rather than a top-tier blind-side tackle. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

Ersery will thrive in a scheme that balances run and pass, uses zone concepts or controlled power runs where his strength can show, and protects him from having to consistently mirror the very top edge rushers immediately. A team willing to develop him and provide coaching in pass sets will maximize his upside. In his early years, expect Ersery to contribute as a starting tackle or as part of a rotational tackle plan, developing into a full, dependable starter by years 2–3. If he does, he can ascend into a reliable, above‐average starting left tackle with multiple seasons of success. If not, his floor is a solid starting tackle or strong backup who plays several seasons as a starter but doesn’t become a dominant All‐Pro.