2:37- Aireontae Ersery, OT Minnesota
The Saints need to improve their offensive line to be successful. To help with that, I have them selecting Aireontae Ersery in the second round. Ersery is a fairly raw prospect as he started playing organized football in his junior year of high school, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a star at Minnesota.
Ersery fits the build of an NFL offensive lineman, standing at 6-foot-6. He pairs his frame with pro-ready athleticism that allows him to keep up with many defenders. This also allows him to pull or move up to the second level in the run game.
Arguably the best part of Ersery’s game is his ability as a run blocker, especially in a zone-blocking scheme. As of Week 9, Minnesota deploys a zone-running scheme 59% of the time. His experience in the scheme will greatly ease the transition to the NFL. The Saints use this blocking scheme a staggering 78% of the time, making Ersery an ideal prospect for them.
The biggest flaw in Ersery’s game is his lack of experience which can lead to poor technique. He will need to continue seeing reps and getting coaching to improve this. In addition to this, Ersery can get beat with speed rushers going outside. Fixing these things are crucial to his success going further.
Aireontae Ersery is a prospect the Saints should be ecstatic about selecting if he is available on day two. His ceiling and familiarity in the zone running scheme makes him an ideal prospect in the second round.