Buffalo Bills: Five Things the Bills Will Address in the 2012 NFL Draft

I wasn't content with the way that the Bills drafted this year, but it is fair to say that fans can look to the 2012 draft for a future foundation in Buffalo.

The Bills still have glaring needs, and with a good amount of talent coming out next year, look for Buffalo to nab some talented players next year.

Here are the five things that Buffalo will address in the 2012 draft.

Franchise Quarterback

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to throw the ball against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald M

The Bills have a good short-term answer in Ryan Fitzpatrick, but fans aren't going to fool themselves that he will be the quarterback to lead the team to a Super Bowl.

With a good amount of talent at the quarterback position in next year's draft, the Bills will have a great opportunity to land their future signal-caller in 2012.

Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Landry Jones, Nick Foles and others will certainly be on the Bills radar in the upcoming draft.

The Bills may take a hard look at a collegiate quarterback with a high pick in 2012.

No. 2 Wide Receiver

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Patrick Chung #25 of the Patriots applies pressure on a pass intended for Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Stevie Johnson can be an effective No. 1 receiver should he continue to develop like he did last year.

David Nelson is a good slot receiver, and can settle into a role as a No. 3 receiver if the Bills get that all-important No. 2 receiver they lack.

Lee Evans in on the decline, and Roscoe Parrish/Marcus Easley aren't looking like much more than No. 4 receivers as it stands.

The Bills could use a pick on a big target to take double coverage away from Stevie Johnson, and such would open up the passing game for Buffalo.

Offensive Line

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 25: Lee Evans #83, Geoff Hangartner #63 and Demetrius Bell #77 of the Buffalo Bills celebrate Evans' touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 25, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Buffalo won

The Bills offensive line has never been the same since the team said goodbye to Jason Peters.

Buffalo has relied on players like Demetrius Bell and Geoff Hangartner along the line, and the team has trouble keeping the pocket stable for Ryan Fitzpatrick.

If Buffalo can find true value in the mid rounds, look for Buddy Nix and Co. to pull the trigger and a difference-making lineman.

The Bills could use an injection of youth and talent in the trenches, and the draft would be a perfect place to accomplish that.

Another 5-Technique

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses for a photo with Marcell Dareus, #3 overall pick by the Buffalo Bills, as Dareus holds up a jersey during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Phot

After drafting Marcell Dareus, the Bills look to have a strong defensive line featuring Dareus and Pro Bowler Kyle Williams.

Also on the line is Dwan Edwards, and while he is serviceable, it would be smart for Buffalo to bring in a third impact player to play alongside Dareus and Williams.

Edwards can hold down the fort for a year or two, but his ceiling isn't terribly high, and Buffalo fans know this.

Should the Bills draft another five-technique defensive end this year, they will boast a scary-good defensive line for years to come.

Pass Rusher

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Shawne Merriman of the Buffalo Bills stands on the field prior to play against the Chicago Bears at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Merriman was claimed this week after being waived by the San Diego Charge

The Bills were able to acquire Shawne Merriman, and he will be a Buffalo Bill in 2011 as he tries to resurrect a once-great career.

Should Merriman falter, however, the team will have a very tough time rushing the passer in 2011.

Another year of a stagnant pass-rush may empower Chan Gailey to lobby for a sack artist in the draft room next year.

If the Bills could put a true pass-rusher behind a dominant defensive line (which the team is undeniably building), the defense would be much better as a unit.