Texans new OT Aireontae Ersery wants to be a 'team player' over franchise left tackle
Texans new OT Aireontae Ersery wants to be a 'team player' over franchise left tackle
When the Houston Texans drafted Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery with the 48th overall pick, DeMeco Ryans made it clear he was brought in to compete for reps on the outside.
That's where the three-year Golden Gophers star started during his college career en route to winning Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. But if asked to shift inside to guard, Ersey won't hesitate to test his luck at a new position if he can help Houston win now.
'I'm up for whatever they ask me to do,' he said. 'That's the type of guy I am. I'm just here to be a vessel and keep getting better each and every day. We're going to look up and see where the sun is at when that time comes.'
It's an option, but for now seems unlikely. The Texans feel content about their interior offensive line after the arrival of Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram this offseason. Tytus Howard and Juice Scruggs also have reps outside of their natural positions, so the two could start if they lose out at right tackle or center, respectively.
But the tackle role remains a long-term question. Cam Robinson is in Houston for one season on a $12 million deal as Laremy Tunsil's immediate replacement. Meanwhile, second-round pick Blake Fisher struggled last season in pass protection, allowing six sacks over the last seven games, including three in the playoffs.
Ryans would rather have his rookies be at their best to begin their careers, but at least Ersery is ready to step in if asked to play outside the blindside. Ersey also feels comfortable playing in Houston altogether, saying he "walked into the best situation" to continue his playing career.
"We were a big culture school at Minnesota and the Texans is the same," Ersery said. "We talk about SWARM mentality, at Minnesota we talked about nekton mentality, always attacking and never full.'
The Texans return to the practice fields next week for veteran minicamp.
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