When the Houston Texans held rookie minicamp in early May, much of the attention shifted to one of their most physically impressive draft picks: second-round offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery.
The former Minnesota standout arrived with high expectations, and his early performance only reinforced why the Texans view him as a potential cornerstone on their offensive line.
Aireontae Ersery Turning Heads Early in Texans’ Rookie Minicamp
The Texans made major changes up front this offseason, parting ways with longtime mainstays Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green.
To fill the void, Houston added veterans Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram — moves many considered a downgrade. That context made Ersery’s strong showing in rookie camp all the more important.
Ersery, who measures 6’6″ and 330 pounds, immediately drew praise during team and individual drills.
In those sessions, he showed the strength and leverage that made him a standout at Minnesota. His ability to drive defenders off the ball in the run game and set a sturdy base in pass protection stood out — even in non-padded practices.
New #Texans OT Aireontae Ersery (#69) vs UCLA cut-up:
89.8 PBLK Grade 0 Pressures/Sacks in 45 PBLK Snaps Shows his power & hands consistently with multiple pancakes/big-time wins against DEs including in the run game. pic.twitter.com/i5KuGqeIem
— Jacob (@TexansJacob) April 28, 2025
His frame and wingspan gave him a natural edge on the perimeter. Coaches and observers noted his ability to deliver a forceful initial strike, maintain control at the point of attack and mirror pass rushers with quick, balanced footwork. His pass set quickness was particularly promising for a rookie making the leap to NFL speed.
Mentally, Ersery also looked the part. With 38 career starts at Minnesota, he brought maturity and experience that resonated with the coaching staff. He handled playbook installs smoothly and showed early understanding of recognizing stunts and twists — often a steep learning curve for young linemen.
Watch Aireontae Ersery at LT here vs Darrell Taylor via the Texans IG account:
Uses his hands well and is able to get one of the more explosive pass rushers on roster on the turf. pic.twitter.com/zxu4wT9Ah1
— Jacob (@TexansJacob) June 3, 2025
Still, his performance wasn’t without flaws. Coaches pointed out that Ersery occasionally played too upright in his stance, limiting his ability to anchor against bull rushers. His hand placement was also inconsistent at times, allowing defenders to slip free during reps.
Even so, Ersery earned a few looks with the first unit during walkthroughs — a clear signal the staff is evaluating how quickly he can contribute. Given the uncertainty surrounding Houston’s line, he’s already in serious contention for playing time when training camp arrives.
While May’s minicamp offered only a glimpse, it revealed a player with both the physical tools and mental sharpness to develop into a long-term starter. If Ersery builds on this early momentum, he could emerge as one of the Texans’ most impactful rookies in 2025.