The San Francisco 49ers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads regarding one of football’s most critical positions: left tackle. All-Pro Trent Williams, who missed the final seven games of the 2024 season due to an ankle injury, is expected to return in 2025.
However, at 37 years old and entering his 15th NFL season, Williams’ career is nearing its conclusion. With the need to protect franchise quarterback Brock Purdy in the years ahead, the 49ers must act swiftly to secure the future of their offensive line.
Pro Football Focus has highlighted Aireontae Ersery, a standout left tackle from Minnesota, as an ideal draft target for San Francisco. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 300 pounds, Ersery possesses the size and athleticism required to excel in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Given that the 49ers relied on outside zone rushing plays for 50% of their 2024 ground game, securing a lineman with Ersery’s skill set is critical.
Aireontae Ersery: The Perfect Successor
Ersery’s 2024 collegiate performance solidified him as one of the top offensive line prospects in the upcoming draft. His 89.2 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade on outside zone runs demonstrates his ability to execute the intricate techniques demanded by the 49ers’ system.
With exceptional lateral quickness and size, Ersery is a natural fit for an offense that requires linemen to create running lanes for a backfield featuring Christian McCaffrey.
Beyond his run-blocking ability, Ersery has also been dominant in pass protection. In 419 pass-blocking snaps during the 2024 season, he allowed just one sack, which resulted from a collision with his left guard rather than a lapse in his own technique. His well-rounded skill set in both pass and run blocking makes him a prime candidate to eventually replace Williams.
Drafting Ersery would provide the 49ers with an opportunity to implement a smooth transition at left tackle. With Williams still under contract, Ersery could spend a season learning from one of the greatest to ever play the position. This mentorship would allow Ersery to refine his technique and adapt to the speed of the NFL, ensuring he’s ready to step into a starting role when Williams retires.
Future-Proofing the Offensive Line
The left tackle position is critical for any NFL team, but it holds particular significance in San Francisco, where precision and efficiency are paramount. Adding Aireontae Ersery to the roster would address both a pressing need for depth and a long-term solution at one of football’s most challenging positions.
General Manager John Lynch has consistently emphasized the importance of a strong offensive line. Targeting Ersery in the 2025 NFL Draft aligns with that philosophy and secures a foundational piece as the 49ers aim to keep their championship window open.
Trent Williams has already etched his name into 49ers history, but selecting Ersery could ensure the team maintains excellence at left tackle for years to come. For San Francisco, this move would honor the legacy of Williams while preparing for a bright future.
