The 2023 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday, and 12 quarterbacks were selected through the first five rounds — the most in the common draft era. When the draft ended, there was a total of 43 trades, breaking the record of 40 trades set in 2019.
Three general managers ran their first NFL drafts this weekend: Tennessee's Ran Carthon, Arizona's Monti Ossenfort and Pittsburgh's Omar Khan. Were they able to alleviate some questions surrounding their teams? Regardless of whether your favorite team got a quarterback, running back or the future steal of the class, you probably can find reason for optimism. Did your team answer the biggest question it faced entering the draft? What's next?
We asked our NFL Nation reporters to tell us what the most pressing question is coming out of this weekend and to answer it. Read their post-draft insights below.
Check out what ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay thought of each teams' class, scan the full classes for every team and check out the big-picture takeaways coming out of Round 7.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
What does the future at defensive tackle look like for the Bills?
Uncertain. Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that he hoped to add a defensive tackle in the draft, but "it just didn't fall our way." None of the team's defensive tackles are under contract past the 2023 season, including Ed Oliver, who is currently set to play on his fifth-year option but is a candidate for an extension. Some answers might come in the next couple of weeks, as the team is in communication with veteran free agents, and it'll be a post-draft priority for the Bills.
Miami Dolphins
How do Cam Smith and Devon Achane fit into the Dolphins' immediate plans?
Neither Smith, a cornerback, nor Achane, a running back, were need-based picks. But considering they were taken in the top 100, it's reasonable to expect them to see some level of playing time. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel hinted after the draft that their defense under new coordinator Vic Fangio offers "a lot of different ways" for defensive backs to get on the field once they understand the scheme, so Smith could share the field with Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard if he beats out Kader Kohou, last year's rookie standout. McDaniel lobbied heavily for Achane, and his speed can be utilized in myriad ways. He's a player to keep an eye on this summer.
New England Patriots
Did the Patriots do enough to help quarterback Mac Jones and the offense?
The Patriots' first three picks were defenders, which Bill Belichick said was simply the way it worked out. Belichick also noted that the majority of veteran free agent signings earlier in the offseason came on offense (e.g., wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, tight end Mike Gesicki and offensive tackles Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson). Still, OT, TE and WR seemed like areas that could use a boost entering the draft, and there weren't any major draft-based investments there.
New York Jets
Did the Jets do enough to protect Aaron Rodgers?
The Jets added perhaps the top center in the draft in second-round pick Joe Tippmann, who should replace Connor McGovern at some point. But they left themselves vulnerable at tackle by not addressing it until the fourth round (Carter Warren). This means they're counting on 37-year-old Duane Brown and oft-injured Mekhi Becton, who has played only one game since 2020, his rookie year. That's risky, considering the investment in Rodgers.