LATEST UPDATE: Gophers left tackle continues to rise on Mel Kiper’s Big Board

The Minnesota Gophers have had a season full of ups and downs. Looking back at games against North Carolina, Iowa, and the Michigan contest is difficult without feeling disgusted. They are in a good position moving forward, thanks in large part to standout left tackle Aireontae Ersery.

Aireontae Ersery appears to be a potential first-round selection for the Minnesota Gophers.

It should come as no surprise that Aireontae Ersery still catches the attention of NFL Draft analysts. He is a massive individual, and has been extensively tracked since prior to the beginning of the season. His skills playing left tackle have enabled quarterback Max Brosmer and the offense to flourish. Throughout this week, he continued to rise in Mel Kiper’s rankings.

Ersery is a huge player who has started 35 games in his career, with almost all of them at the left tackle position. He pushes defensive ends backwards with his strength and relies on his agility to control faster pass rushers.

In the most recent version of Kiper’s rankings, Ersery was ranked 19th. Currently, on the 16th, Ersery ranks as the second-best offensive tackle. He is second only to Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. Both players have begun the same eight games and have only given up one sack.

This weekend will provide Ersery with another chance to showcase his skills. Minnesota travels to Champaign to play against the 24th ranked Illini. After dominating a strong Maryland team at Huntington Bank Stadium last weekend, they are now three points ahead in the polls.

Ersery will need to make another impact for the Gophers to secure a significant victory on the road against a ranked team. His ongoing progress could potentially propel him into the top 10 during the upcoming NFL Draft in April