Aireontae Ersery, the mammoth offensive tackle from Minnesota, is poised to be one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 330 pounds, Ersery combines impressive size with remarkable athleticism, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their offensive line.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
College Career
Ersery’s journey at Minnesota was one of steady progression and impressive accolades. After seeing limited action in his first two seasons, he took over as the starting left tackle in 2022 and never looked back. Over the next three seasons, Ersery started 38 consecutive games, showcasing durability and consistency.
His senior year in 2024 was particularly impressive, earning him Second Team All-American honors and the Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award. Ersery’s dominance was evident in key matchups, including a standout performance against Penn State’s Abdul Carter.
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Strengths
Athleticism: Ersery’s combine performance was nothing short of spectacular. He ran a 5.01-second 40-yard dash, the fastest mark by an offensive lineman at least 6’6″ and 330 pounds since 2003. His 9’3″ broad jump and 29.5-inch vertical jump further demonstrated his exceptional athleticism for his size.
Power in Run Blocking: Ersery possesses devastating power in the run game, consistently creating massive lanes in Minnesota’s zone scheme. His heavy hands can completely wash defenders out of plays.
Pass Protection: With exceptional length and wingspan, Ersery effectively keeps speed rushers at bay while maintaining leverage throughout reps. His natural anchor ability allows him to absorb bull rushes without giving ground.
Versatility: Ersery has shown the ability to excel in both zone and gap running schemes, demonstrating good technique and instincts in over 1,200 career run blocking snaps.
Durability: Starting 38 consecutive games at a physically demanding position speaks volumes about Ersery’s toughness and reliability.
Weaknesses
Hand Placement: While Ersery has a effective snatch trap move, his overall hand placement can be inconsistent. He sometimes whiffs on opponent’s pads or lands only a single hand on rushers.
Speed on the Outside: Ersery can struggle with speed rushers attacking his outside shoulder, partly due to some lower body stiffness that hinders his ability to cover ground quickly.
Refinement: As a relatively new player to football, having only started in his junior year of high school, Ersery may need time to further refine his technique and expand his arsenal of blocking moves.
NFL Projection
Ersery projects as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and remarkable athleticism makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to solidify their offensive line.
Most mock drafts and big boards had Ersery on the first-round fringe before the combine. However, his exceptional performance in Indianapolis, where he scored an unofficial 9.89 out of 10 on the Relative Athletic Score (ranking 16th best out of 1,379 offensive tackles since 1987), has likely catapulted him firmly into first-round discussions.
Ersery’s best fit at the NFL level will likely be as a left tackle, where he has the most experience. However, his versatility and power in the run game could also make him valuable on the right side or even at guard if needed.
Comparison and Outlook
While it’s challenging to find a direct comparison for a player with Ersery’s unique combination of size and athleticism, his potential impact could be similar to that of other athletic tackles who have successfully transitioned to the NFL in recent years.
Ersery’s journey from a late-blooming high school player to a potential first-round NFL draft pick is a testament to his work ethic and physical gifts. If he can continue to refine his technique and maintain his impressive trajectory of improvement, Ersery has the potential to become a cornerstone left tackle in the NFL for years to come.
Conclusion
Aireontae Ersery enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing offensive tackle prospects. His rare combination of size, power, and athleticism, coupled with his impressive college production and accolades, make him a tantalizing option for NFL teams in need of offensive line help.
While there are areas for improvement in his game, particularly in hand technique and consistency against speed rushers, Ersery’s physical tools and steady progression suggest he has a high ceiling at the next level. As the draft approaches, expect Ersery’s stock to continue rising, potentially solidifying his status as a first-round selection and marking him as a player to watch in the coming NFL seasons.
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