Top 5 Defensive Buccaneers this season

Monte Kiffin continued to coach last season, but he decided to leave about midway through. Kiffin left the Buccaneers after his long tenure to go coach with his son, Lane Kiffin, in Tennessee.

Jim Bates will be the Buccaneers' defensive coordinator for the 2009 season, and will try to continue Tampa's dominance on defense. Here's a sneak peek to see which players will perform well in Bates system.

Barrett Ruud

Barrett Ruud is the landmark of the Buccaneers defense. Ruud has been the team's leading tackler for the past two seasons, and was in the top five in tackles in the NFL last season.

Ruud is the best player on the Buccaneers defense, and will continue to have success in his fifth season. Look for him to be in the top five for tackling during this season, as well.

Aqib Talib

Talib was taken in the first round last year, and showed that he was first round material. Talib had nine pass deflections and four interceptions playing as the teams third cornerback last season.

Talib will move up the depth chart this season from third to second after the departure of Phillip Buchanon, who signed a deal with the Lions. With more starting time, Talib will have more chances to showcase his skills.

Tanard Jackson

Jackson had a breakout rookie season, mostly known for his huge hit on Colts tight end Dallas Clark. Jackson has started 16 games in back-to-back seasons.

While Jackson did not have a lot of highlight plays in '08, he was consistent in his position by not giving up a lot of big plays. Jackson never seems to disappoint, and doesn't miss a lot of tackles while he's on the field.

Gaines Adams

Adams hasn't performed horribly, but he isn't living up to his expectations. In 2007, he was taken as the fourth overall pick—above Adrian Peterson, who went seventh overall in the same draft.

Adams has obtained 12.5 sacks over his career of two seasons, and even had two interceptions in '08. Adams started every game last season, and has said that he wants to get double-digit sacks this season. Look for Adams to step it up this season and live up to the hype.

Roy Miller

Roy Miller was Tampa Bay's third-round draft pick this year. He went to Texas University, where he was named defensive player of the game in the Longhorns Fiesta Bowl victory last season.

With the Buccaneers lack of depth at the defensive line position, Miller will see many opportunities to play this upcoming season. I expect him to have a solid and consistent season for Tampa in '09.