Texans Reveal Future Plans for Rookie OT Ersery

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By True Deck | Last updated May 27, 2025 10:58 AM ET

The Houston Texans traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery with the 48^th pick. The selection came 14 picks after Houston’s other second round pick — where it took WR Jayden Higgins from Iowa State.

The Texans see Ersery as a potential franchise left tackle following their trade of long-time offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders this offseason. Ideally, Ersery would use his rookie season to refine his technique and acclimate to NFL competition, setting him up to take over the blind side in 2026.

The trade of Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders this offseason marked a significant shift for the Houston Texans’ offensive line. Tunsil had been a cornerstone of the line for years, providing stability and elite protection for the quarterback. With his departure, the Texans have a clear gap to fill at left tackle.

When it comes to Ersery’s draft experience, he remembers his patience playing a role.

“It’s a lot of anticipation, a lot of waiting around,” the 6-foot-6, 331-pound OT said. “I look at is as a blessing to the whole process. I feel like I’m meant to be a Houston Texan.”

Ersery was regarded as the top Day 2 offensive tackle, bringing extensive experience on the left side. Over his final three years at Minnesota, he started 38 games, earning third-team AP All-American honors, a Big Ten first-team selection, and the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year award.

Ersery can play on either side. At his height, though, he’s not regarded as an ideal guard candidate.

#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he envisions Aireontae Ersery beginning at tackle, not guard at this point @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 5, 2025

Houston strengthened its guard depth this offseason by trading for Ed Ingram and signing Laken Tomlinson.

“Really liked his tape in college at tackle,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He played left tackle, so we’ll start him out at tackle and see how he does there. My vision for him was always he can help us at tackle.”

Ersery may not start in his rookie season with Cam Robinson and Trent Brown ahead of him, but it's evident that Ryans and the Texans' coaching staff view him as the left tackle of the future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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