Meet Laremy Tunsil’s replacement
Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery might not start Week 1 for the Houston Texans, but the back-to-back AFC South franchise is certain he can become a franchise left tackle in due time.
After all, why trade up 10 spots for someone you think is a bust?
The Texans moved up from No. 58 after giving away the No. 99 selection to select the Minnesota starting tackle at No. 48 during the second round of Friday’s draft. A former three-star recruit, Ersery transformed into one of the better linemen in recent memory for the Golden Gophers‘ program.
A third-team AP All-American and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, Ersery impressed on the blindside for the Golden Gophers. A three-year starter at left tackle, the Kansas City native only allowed just five sacks and 11 QB hits in over 1,400 pass-blocking snaps in Big Ten games.
A massive 6-foot-6, 331-pound tackle, Ersery has the strength and athleticism to win most one-on-one blocks against both speedy pass rushers. He excelled at recognizing stunts, allowing just three pressures in 13 games. His best performance came against Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, where he allowed just one pressure on 11 one-on-one snaps against the future No. 3 overall pick on Thursday night.
“Tay has a bunch of snaps at tackle, so we feel like we got pretty good competition at tackle,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on Friday evening.
While a work in progress, the upside is through the roof. Ersery might end up being the steal of Round 2 if coaching matches the consistency of his tape.
Here are Ersery’s top highlights to help fans get excited ahead of training camp later this summer.
The Texans own four picks in Saturday’s draft, including pick No. 187.
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