12-08-2025
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger wowed by Texans rookie OT Aireontae Ersery's debut vs. Vikings
How impressive was Houston Texans rookie offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery's debut? One NFL analyst can't stop gushing over his performance against the Minnesota Vikings.
NFL Network's Brian Baldinger recently broke down Ersery's drive against the Vikings in pass protection during his famous "Baldy Breakdown" videos on Tuesday morning. It didn't take long for the longtime offensive line analyst to point out how mature, steady and set Ersery was in his breaks, pad level and latch-on capability to win nearly every one-on-one battle during pass protection sets.
"He's got tremendous length. He knows how to use his arms, too. Like, just keep running right around the arc," Baldinger said while watching a rep against former first-round pick Dallas Turner. "Let Davis Mills make the throw."
On another snap, Ersery made a veteran move by allowing the pass-rusher to work inside, thus giving him the edge to win his one-on-one and create an even larger running lane for the tailback to pick up a first down.
Pro Football Focus also came away impressed with Ersery's pass-blocking skills. His 77.7 pass-blocking rating was the highest among all players on either line. The Minnesota product also didn't allow a single pressure to Mills.
"He only played 10 snaps, but I thought he played well in those 10 snaps," Baldinger said. "He looked comfortable playing left tackle."
The plan right now is for Ersery to start at right tackle this season while veteran Cam Robinson handles the left side as Laremy Tunsil's immediate replacement. That's only for one season. Long-term Ersery should shift over to the left side and become a staple blindside protector for C.J. Stroud.
Perhaps the future has arrived early? Like say, Week 1 in Los Angeles?
