Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: Left Tackle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 5.30 seconds (42%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: Left Tackle | |
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 5.30 seconds (42%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 85.8 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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76% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Pass Blocking: |
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79% |
| Run Blocking: |
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82% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Late
Overall Rank:
#54
Position rank:
#10
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| College Games: 39 College Snaps: 2383 | ||
ESPN RATING: 74/100
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247 RATING: 86/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.6 (92%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trey Smith - Tennessee |
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91% |
| Sean Rhyan - UCLA |
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88% |
| Thayer Munford - Ohio State |
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85% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Aireontae Ersery, a 6'6", 320-pound offensive tackle from Minnesota, has shown steady progression since his days as a three-star recruit out of Ruskin High School. Rated by both ESPN and 247 Sports as a 3-star prospect, Ersery chose to take his talents to the Golden Gophers, where he would develop into a cornerstone of their offensive line.Ersery's college career began modestly, with limited playing time in his first two seasons. As a freshman in 2020, he saw action in just one game, logging 73 snaps at right tackle without allowing a sack. His sophomore year in 2021 was even more limited, with only 3 snaps played, though he maintained a clean sheet in pass protection.
The turning point came in 2022 when Ersery locked down the left tackle position, starting 12 games and playing 775 snaps. He showed promise in pass protection, allowing only 2 sacks and 8 QB hurries. His senior season in 2023 saw increased responsibility, as he started all 13 games and increased his snap count to 841. While he maintained his sack allowance at 2, he did see an uptick in QB pressures, giving up 9 hurries and 4 hits. Despite this, Ersery's overall performance earned him All-Big Ten Second Team and AP First Team All-Big Ten honors, highlighting his emergence as one of the conference's top offensive linemen.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Imposing frame with ideal NFL tackle size, possessing the length and bulk to handle edge rushers effectively
- Exceptional run blocker, consistently creating lanes and driving defenders off the ball with powerful initial punch
- Displays good lateral agility for his size, allowing him to reach the second level and engage linebackers
- Demonstrates a strong anchor in pass protection, rarely getting bull-rushed or driven back into the pocket
- Shows good hand placement and the ability to sustain blocks, particularly in the run game
- Versatile experience, having played at both left and right tackle positions during his college career
- Consistent performer with durability, starting 25 games over his final two seasons
- High football IQ and coachability, evident in his rapid development from limited snaps to full-time starter
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Can struggle with speed rushers coming off the edge, needing to improve his kick-slide and overall quickness
- Sometimes plays with high pad level, which can compromise his leverage against more technically sound defenders
- Hand timing in pass sets can be inconsistent, leading to missed blocks on stunts and blitzes
- May need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses due to his relatively late start as a full-time starter
Scouting Report: Summary
Ersery projects as a solid developmental tackle prospect with the potential to become a possible starter at the pro level. His impressive physical tools and rapid improvement trajectory suggest a high ceiling, particularly in a power-running scheme. While his pass protection skills need polish, his natural athleticism and size provide a strong foundation.In the right system, Ersery could contribute early as a run-blocking specialist while refining his pass-protection technique. His experience at both tackle spots increases his value, potentially allowing him to start his career as a swing tackle. As he continues to develop, Ersery has the tools to evolve into a formidable bookend tackle for an NFL offensive line.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Aireontae Ersery (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
36.2
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
6.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.