WitP: Kia, Mouton, Ikaika, Veikune

Stephen Tsai writes that Aaron Kia has signed a 1-year contract with the Jets.

Kia participated in a tryout this morning. After that, Kia and two other linemen took physical examinations. After that, he was summoned into an office, where he was told he would be offered a contract.

Kia projects to compete at left tackle, the position he played last season.

Ryan Mouton is in a battle for a starting spot with the Titans.

Ryan Mouton has his eyes on the prize — starting cornerback for the Titans — but he has to prove he's willing to fight for it.

That's because the coaches can't contain their enthusiasm about Jason McCourty, who's doing everything right.

The 2009 draft picks are part of a six-man battle to replace Nick Harper, who was not re-signed, on the side opposite former All-Pro Cortland Finnegan.

Yet Mouton admitted he didn't take his job as seriously as he should have until a reminder from Cecil.

"I told him, basically, you need to step up," Cecil said. "We drafted him in the third round last year. … We handpicked him. Our hope is that he'll step up and be that guy.''

Said Mouton: "Since then I have been here every day and I want to show people that I am accountable, and I want to progress every day.''

Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel writes that Ikaika Alama-Francis is facing an uphill battle to make the Dolphins roster.

This former Lions second-round pick was added late last season to add more beef to the defensive line, but he sparingly played while learning the intricacies of playing in a 3-4 scheme. The Dolphins are converting this former defensive tackle into an end, and his tenure is likely contingent on how quickly he learns.

Ikaika played defensive end in Jerry Glanville's 3-4, so hopefully that will give him an edge.

And Terry Pluto writes that David Veikune will play exclusively at inside linebacker this season after being moved back and forth from inside to outside last season.

They have decided to keep David Veikune exclusively at inside linebacker. They believe it was a mistake to play him at outside and inside linebacker, which they did early last season.