Aireontae Ersery Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

School: Minnesota

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position: OT

HT: 6’6

WT: 330 lbs

Background: Aireontae Ersery was a 3-star offensive tackle in the class of 2020. Ersery is originally from Kansas City, Missouri and was a top 20 player in the state, while being a top 100 offensive tackle nationally. Ersery started playing football in his junior year of high school for Ruskin High School. Along with football, Ersery competed in track & field, placing 4th in the state in shotput. Ersery committed to play for Minnesota over Kansas and Kansas State.

College: Ersery only appeared in one game across his first two collegiate seasons, but became the starting left tackle for the Gophers in 2022. After starting all 13 games in 2022, he was named an All-Big 10 honorable mention. Ersery earned All-Big 10 Second Team honors in 2023 and First Team honors in 2024. On top of being First Team all-conference as a senior, he was also a Second Team All-American and the Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year. 

Strengths: Aireontae Ersery is an offensive tackle with an ideal frame and measurements to play the position at the next level. He has long arms and uses that length functionally at the point of attack to knock defenders off their rush. He has a strong lower body to plant his feet and twist edge rushers into the dirt. Despite his size, Ersery gets low in his stance to gain leverage with consistency. He has a quick hitch to combat speed rushes on the edge. Ersery is a strong and athletic tackle. He loves getting out and moving in the run game, finishing blocks with a level of violence. Ersery moves effortlessly, despite his size. He can get out in space and be the lead blocker into the second level of the defense with ease. Ersery plays until he hears a whistle. He takes pride in finishing his assignment completely before finding more work.

Weaknesses: Ersery can be impatient in the phone booth, throwing an initial jab early and missing his target. Aireontae loses that leverage battle with the speedy edge rushers if he does not get that lower pad level on a consistent basis. He also struggles to process stunts or disguised blitz packages. He doesn’t seem to diagnose it at the line and can be overwhelmed with them.

Conclusion: Aireontae Ersery developed at such a rapid rate during his college career. He showed significant progress in each season after being a reserve offensive lineman to begin his time at Minnesota. He could have plenty of potential still remaining to be developed. With NFL coaching, he could become a Pro Bowl caliber player.

Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: Left Tackle

Best Team Fits: SEA, SF, NE

Player Comparison: Spencer Brown

Player Grade: Round 1 (90.6)