After months of constant debate, endless mock drafts, and speculation from everyone under the sun, plus a trade down just to spice up things, the Houston Texans finally added their hopeful franchise left tackle in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
With ample draft capital, the Texans moved up 10 spots from No. 58 to No. 48 and selected Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery with their second selection. A former Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, Ersery might not start Week 1 for the back-to-back AFC South champions, but he should compete for a shot at becoming the heir apparent to Laremy Tunsil by the end of his rookie season.
Inside NRG Stadium, the Texans got to work when they were on the clock Friday and made the call that changed Higgins’ life. Here’s a video of the moment where Ersey found out he was coming to Houston from his new head coach DeMeco Ryans.
A third-team Associated Press All-American, Ersery impressed on the blindside for the Golden Gophers. A three-year starter at left tackle, the Kansas City native allowed just five sacks and 11 QB hits in over 1,400 pass-blocking snaps in Big Ten games. His best performance came against Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, where he allowed just one pressure on 11 one-on-one snaps against the future No. 3 overall pick.
Nick Caserio, owner Cal McNair, Ryans were fired up to take Ersey, who should become a valuable weapon in the passing game for Nick Caley’s new pass-heavy offense. If he’s able to reach his potential, the 6-foot-6, 331-pound tackle might be the next stalwart on the offensive line in H-Town.