When the Houston Texans drafted Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery in the second round of April’s draft, most envisioned him competing with Cam Robinson for reps at the long-term left tackle replacement for Laremy Tunsil.
That plan likely hasn’t changed for 2026. Robinson, who signed a one-year deal after stops in Jacksonville and Minnesota last offseason, will be a free agent this offseason. He’ll need a stellar campaign protecting C.J. Stroud if he plans on earning a second contract.
As for Ersey? He’s settling in as Houston’s starting right tackle, which while new, hasn’t been as challenging as some might think.
“It’s like riding a bike,” Ersery said on Saturday. “Once you get on it, you keep peddling. It’s not that hard. I’m getting more comfortable at right (tackle).”
A three-year starter for the Golden Gophers, Ersery was an All-Big Ten offensive tackle in 2024 from the left side. Some of his best games came against elite pass rushers like Adul Carter from Penn State and Josiah Stewart from Michigan on his way to being a top 50 selection.
Yes, playing tackle has some similarities, but the right and left sides differ on the major details like footwork, hand placement and angles on where to attack the defensive end. That’s where Ersery continues to work through drills, asking advice from the veterans on where he needs to improve.
“One thing Danielle [Hunter] did mention to me is that the great ones play and have great technique when they are tired. That right there is something that stuck with me,” Ersey said. “I just try to focus on that. When we are out here, we play in different situations in practice and really hone in on my technique.”
The Texans will begin practice at the Greenbrier on Monday in West Virginia before taking on the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium on Saturday.