The Houston Texans start their 2025 season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. Following another exit in the divisional round, they made several changes to the roster and look to change the outcome this season.
And the offensive line was one area that saw some of the most movement for Houston. At left tackle, it was an open competition between Cam Robinson and rookie LT Aireontae Ersery, but it looks like the 2025 second-round pick won that job. ESPN DJ Bien-Aime was listed as the starter on Houston's unofficial depth chart.
While it's fantastic that he beat out the veteran that was brought in this offseason, Ersery has a lot to prove in his NFL debut.
Aireontae Ersery Under Pressure for Texans in Week 1
The hole at LT was created when the Texans traded Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders in exchange for draft picks. They snagged Ersery with the 48th overall pick in April's draft.
The Texans decided to throw him in the left tackle comp to see what he could do, and he held his own fairly well. This preseason, he played in 35 total offensive snaps, logging a 65.1 overall grade, 73.8 pass-blocking grade, and 58.5 run-blocking grade per PFF.
While he has all the traits that can make him a quality starter in the NFL, but the Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote in his draft guide that there are things he could improve upon. "Overall, Ersery has the size, strength and movement talent to become an NFL starting tackle — if his timing, angles and overall consistency continue to improve with pro coaching. It might be a bumpy ride early as he transitions to the next level."
Despite owning the traits that made him an appealing choice at LT, he has some things he needs to work through. And lining up against a Rams defense that was tied for 11th in the league in team sacks (38) last season.
Jared Verse seems to be a budding star for the Rams and is ready to wreak havoc in the backfield. That isn't ideal, since the Texans were tied for third in the NFL in sacks allowed (54) in 2024. Protecting C.J. Stroud's blind side is huge, and Ersery will be under the spotlight. One because the Texans traded away Tunsil and Ersery is the first player to start in his place.
Fans will want to see if he looks like an adequate replacement. And while it'll only be one game, the NFL is filled with overreactions. And fans will keep a close eye on if Ersery looks the part of their next franchise LT.