Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy and 5 Bucs Ready for a Breakout Season

You all know the story by now.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were absolutely atrocious in 2009, posting a 3-13 record while fielding one of the least talented teams in the entire league. There was little hope surrounding the Bucs, and there were quite a few problems that needed to be addressed.

The owners were cheap, the once-proud defense was old and ineffective, recent drafts by the previous management had yielded nothing and the decision to select Josh Freeman in the first round of 2009 had the potential to set the team back by years if he didn't pan out.

What a difference a year makes.

The Bucs surprised many by being the first team in NFL history to start at least 10 rookies and win 10 games, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth. The team proved to be loaded with young talent, led by Freeman, who showed franchise-quarterback potential

Few outside Tampa realize how good Freeman is, but his gaudy 25:6 TD:INT ratio speaks for itself. Optimism has replaced the gloom that surrounded the franchise, and the Bucs are now ready to contend for the playoffs going forward.

Of course, the Bucs have a lot of work to do if they want to ensure 2011 will be a success. The schedule will be much more difficult, and they'll likely have to deal with the continued growing pains that naturally occur on such a young team. This transition can be made easier if some of the young, talented players on the team make the next step and become superstars.

Here are five players who are primed for a breakout year, should there be a 2011 season.

E.J. Biggers

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: E.J. Biggers #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers causes Graham Gano #4 of the Washington Redskins to fumble after a missed snap on an extra point attempt that would have tied the game with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter a

One of the reasons why the Bucs had a solid pass defense (seventh in pass yards allowed), with the absence of a real pass rush (the team recorded the second-fewest sacks in the NFL) was their solid secondary play. E.J. Biggers was one of the bright spots, as the second-year pro developed into one of the best nickel corners in the entire league.

With Aqib Talib likely gone (or facing a major suspension) and Ronde Barber battling father time, Biggers will have the opportunity to develop into a star. He should start the season at left corner, and will likely be tasked with defending opponents’ number one receivers.

Should the Bucs pass rush improve in 2011, Biggers should be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

Arrelious Benn

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Arrelious Benn #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a late game touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by La

Mike Williams was the Bucs' media darling in 2010, and for good reason. The fourth round draft pick (what a steal!) hauled in 65 catches for 964 yards and 11 scores, providing Josh Freeman with a consistent weapon. However, Williams turned out to be the only consistent threat, preventing the offense from reaching its full potential. Enter Arrelious Benn.

Benn was picked ahead of Williams, in the second round of the 2010 draft. Benn showed flashes of an emerging playmaker in his rookie season, hauling in a pair of +50 yard catches. Another year of building chemistry with Freeman should do wonders for Benn, who clearly has the talent to succeed at this level.

Benn is also coming off an ACL tear, but it appears he should be ready to go when the Bucs open their season. Look for Benn to become a reliable second or third option in the passing game and put up some impressive numbers.

Quincy Black

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 18: Quincy Black #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 18, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 31-7. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This is assuming Quincy Black returns to the Buccaneers.

One of the most important aspects of the Cover-2 defense the Bucs employ is the range of their linebackers. The three linebackers are responsible for covering a lot of distance in pass coverage while still being physical enough to help the defensive line close down the ground game.

Geno Hayes had a breakout year for the Buccaneers at linebacker in 2010, and Black could be poised to emulate his success. Compared to the majority of the Bucs defense, Black is highly experienced at age 27, with nearly four full seasons under his belt.

Black fits the Tampa-2 system perfectly. He's quick, athletic and has the potential to excel in pass coverage.

This could be Black's breakout year. Playing with more talent around him than ever before, Black should have more opportunities than ever to make plays on defense.

Cody Grimm

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TAMPA, FL - JULY 31: Rookie Cody Grimm #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waits to get in on a drill during training camp at One Buccaneer Place on July 31, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

After Tanard Jackson's suspension, Grimm, a seventh round draft choice in 2010, was thrust into the starting free safety role. Grimm was forced to learn on the job, and he had some terrible moments, including giving up a long touchdown to Mike Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the season wore on though, Grimm displayed excellent maturity and intelligence for such a young player. Grimm's development was highlighted by a pick-six against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Grimm is a special kind of player. He walked on at Virginia Tech and became an instant contributor to a major college program playing linebacker. Most believed he would be too small or slow to make an impact in the NFL, but he is slowly proving those doubters wrong.

Considering this was his first year playing safety since high school, Grimm accounted himself well in his rookie season, and there he still has plenty of room to grow as a player.

Another victim of the injury bug that almost dismantled the Bucs' roster a year ago, Grimm (broken ankle) should be ready to fully participate in team activities once the season resumes.

Building on his on-field experience from last season, expect Grimm to continue to make plays at safety for the young Buccaneers.

Gerald McCoy

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Taken right after Ndamukong Suh in the first round of last year’s draft, Gerald McCoy was seen as the future of the Buccaneers defense. McCoy’s play was scrutinized to no end, especially as the season wore on, largely a result of his high draft status and Suh's immediate dominance.

McCoy’s rookie season was cut short due to an injury just as it appeared he was finally picking up some momentum. Although it didn't show in his stats, his improved play provided some hope that McCoy will eventually develop into a force on the defensive line.

Defensive tackles often take two or three years to get accustomed to trenches of the National Football League, which is why fans shouldn’t be too impatient with the former Oklahoma standout. McCoy is prepared to make a big step up, and should be aided by the arrivals of defensive ends DeQuan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn.

Look for McCoy to lead the Bucs front line in 2011, and make some excellent contributions along the way.