I like the signings, but there is no reason to believe that these players are good enough to start.
OUT: Mayo, Chandler Jones, Buchanan
IN: Ayers, Branch, Moore (was inactive before Buchanan was put on IR)
If our defense had problems before, then it still has problems, arguably much more severe ones.
I expect Easley to start instead of Jones, as he did when Jones went down a few weeks ago (as Reiss suggests in his blog).
If Ayers is healthy, I do expect him to be part of the LB/DE mix, but only because all the options for additional reps are UDFA's. For example, it is NOT clear that he is better than Skinner at this point. Also, there is the issue of how much we will run various sets with the new set of personnel. Perhaps, we will see more of the Ninkovich as LB in a hybrid defense.
Branch is just a good addition which will allow Easley to move outside while still have good depth at DT With Wilfork, Chris Jones, Walker and Branch.