The Texans selected Aireontae Ersery 48th overall on Friday night, adding the Minnesota offensive lineman to the mix.
Just moments after beginning their 2025 NFL Draft by taking wide receiver Jayden Higgins from Iowa State 34th overall, the Texans made a trade and took Ersery.
Houston sent its 58th overall pick and the 99th overall selection to Las Vegas in exchange for the Raiders' second-rounder. Ersery was the choice at 48, and he was ecstatic.
"I'm fired up to be a Houston Texan," Ersery said. "I just want to give all credit to the Texans for taking that chance on me and investing in me as a player. They're going to get everything I got."
Ersery is 6-6, weighs 331 pounds, and was the Big 10's Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024. He started the final 38 games of his Golden Gophers career at left tackle, and was a team captain. He described what he plans on providing the Texans.
"I'm bringing that energy," Ersery said. "I'm bringing that every play mentality. Just knocking guys off the ball. Just go out there and be a dominant force."
Celebrating at home with his family in Kansas City, Missouri, Ersery was particularly excited to get the opportunity to help protect Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud.
"C.J. Stroud is a baller," Ersery said. "I'm so honored to be a guy to help out and come in and help protect him. I'm just super stoked and I know I'm going to a great organization."
He's just the third Golden Gopher all-time to be drafted by the Texans, joining defensive back Dominique Barber (2007) and defensive end Stylez G. White (2002).
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