The Houston Texans have had to turn to rookie second-round draft pick and offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery. It was, perhaps, quicker than they wanted to. The decision could help him deliver on NFL.com analyst Dan Parr’s projection about his impact.
Parr listed Ersery as the Texans’ “pivotal” rookie of the 2025 class.
Ersery was the No. 48 overall selection of this year’s draft. He could quickly show why the Texans tried to trade up for him at least one other time before successfully doing so in April.
“The Texans’ success this season is predicated on a new offensive line jelling well enough to provide much better protection for C.J Stroud. The 6-foot-6, 331-pound Ersery is going to play a big part in deciding the unit’s fate,” Parr wrote on August 7. “While his tremendous size and length are clear advantages, Ersery will have to overcome some tightness to win NFL matchups on a consistent basis.”
“Three-year starter at left tackle with good power. Ersery is not a natural bender, which creates disadvantages with leverage and when attempting to mirror moving fronts,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote before the draft.
“He’s huge, but he sets with good quickness to the rush, using his length and hand strength to gather it or lock it out. His anchor is derived from his upper half, which opens him to hand counters. Ersery has the potential to become an average starting tackle on the right side, but his success will be tied to matchups across from him.”
Stroud was sacked 52 times during the 2024 regular season, second-most in the league.
That prompted the Texans to overhaul their offensive line. The Texans traded Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders and drafted Ersery.
Aireontae Ersery Getting Big Opportunity With Texans

GettyAbdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions competes against Aireontae Ersery #69 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Ersery is already living up to part of Parr’s billing for him. Ersery has showcased his versatility for the Texans in training camp. That is an encouraging sign for a player as developmental as Ersery.
“The second-round pick is slated to start at right tackle,” Parr wrote. “But he could find himself protecting Stroud’s blind side at left tackle — where Ersery played for the last three seasons — if Cam Robinson sustains an injury or is ineffective.”
Parr’s latter note has come to fruition, with Ersery stepping in for an injured Robinson.
“Starting left tackle Cam Robinson left practice after getting hurt at the start of the workout at The Greenbrier Sports Performance Center,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on August 4. “Robinson walked off under his own power and went inside to be examined. One source said that they didn’t believe it was a long-term issue.
“Not having Robinson during the season would be an issue, but the Texans may just have to play without him during training camp.”
Aireontae Ersery’s Comments Loom Large

GettyAireontae Ersery OL#13 of Minnesota goes through a drill during the 2025 NFL Draft Combine
Parr noted that the Texans’ “thunder/lightning duo.” It consists of their other second-round pick, wide receiver Jayden Higgins, and 2025 third-rounder and fellow wideout Jaylin Noel. Parr said the duo will be “fun to watch” in the Texans’ offense, but that could apply to Ersery too.
Ersery previously touted the pride that he takes in protecting his quarterback and opening up running lanes.
He more recently noted that he still has a lot to prove.
The Texans certainly need Ersery to help in both phases. According to Pro Football Reference, Houston tied for the sixth-highest sack rate in 2024. They were also 15th in rushing yards and tied for the ninth-highest yards before contact per attempt.
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