With 12 teams around the league conducting OTAs Monday, and 15 more getting started later this week (including the Bears, who will hold a minicamp), we’ll be hearing from coaches and players this week.

One of the first up on the news conference circuit was Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who addressed the QB competition between starter David Garrard and backup Luke McCown. Del Rio doesn’t hide the fact he believes the competition from McCown has pushed Garrard to become more of a leader.

“I really like the situation there,” Del Rio said. “I really believe that Luke has ramped up his preparation and is going to push [Garrard] in every way he can. I think that’s a very healthy dynamic for us at that position.

“I’m loving it where David is at right now and the way he’s approaching things. If you don’t know, sometimes you need a reminder. But, this business is very competitive, for everybody. … It is a performance-based business. You have to play ball, you have to be somebody that can help the team win. And if not, the team is looking for somebody that can. That’s just the nature of this business. I like where David is right now mentally. There’s a little edginess to him, but it’s respectful. And I think it’s really healthy for us. He’s pushing not only himself, but his teammates around him. I think he’s taken a step forward as a leader.”

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