NFL Draft Expert Not Sold on Minnesota Gophers Left Tackle

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Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota Gophers
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota Gophers could not be flying higher right now. Max Brosmer looks the part of a legitimate threat at quarterback, and the defense has been clicking. When it comes to draft prospects, no one gets more hype than left tackle Aireontae Ersery. That doesn’t mean he’s a guaranteed home run at the next level.

Latest mock shows conflicting feelings for Gophers Aireontae Ersery

Since the beginning of the 2024 season there have been rumblings regarding Aireontae Ersery as a first round pick. Physically he is as imposing as they come. He also has established himself as a premier talent at a necessary position. That doesn’t mean The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner doesn’t have concerns. Tabbed to go 27th for Washington, there are some red flags with the 6’6″ 330 pounder.

“Physically, Ersery (6-6, 330) is probably more impressive than Milum and might have a higher ceiling than late Round 1. That said, he’s had a solid fifth-year with the Gophers, but his performance has looked a lot like it did in 2023. In games versus Rhode Island, Nevada, UCLA and Maryland, he allowed just one total pressure; in games versus North Carolina, Iowa, Michigan, USC and Illinois, he allowed 10 combined.”

Baumgardner on Ersery (The Athletic)

It’s fair to be cautious when it comes to performance evaluation against stiff competition. Things will only get more difficult for Ersery at the next level. There could be a significant amount of emphasis placed on the outcome of Ersery’s game against Penn State. If Minnesota can grab a win on the road against Rutgers, they’ll face a ranked Penn State team at home out of a bye.

Related: Minnesota Gophers LT Continues Climb Up Mel Kiper’s Big Board

At this point the Gophers are already a lock to make a bowl game. They could have conceivably been a top-15 team nationally had they handled business in a couple winnable games as well. A left tackle won’t ever be the player that stands out in the box score during a big matchup, but Ersery’s abilities will significantly impact how Minnesota finishes the year.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Snubbed in Both Polls, Especially AP

Just a bit more consistency, and higher level of play down the stretch, could go a long way to pushing Ersery into the top-half of the first round.

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