Nearly one dozen Denver Broncos veteran players received rest days on Friday. Center Matt Paradis, tight end Virgil Green, linebacker Brandon Marshall, cornerback Chris Harris, safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart, receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas, and defensive linemen Derek Wolfe, Vance Walker and Sylvester Williams did not practice.

Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (non-football injury), cornerback Aqib Talib (NFI), defensive lineman Kenny Anunike (physically unable to perform), and offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo (elbow) also did not practice.

With Sanders and Thomas not practicing, Bennie Fowler shined on offense, seamlessly transitioning to the No. 1 WR role with the first-team offense. Fowler was quarterback Mark Sanchez’s favorite target during team drills and coach Gary Kubiak praised the receiver for having a great camp after practice.

See more notes from Friday’s practice below.

Trevor Siemian looking better than Mark Sanchez

Siemian has arguably looked better than Sanchez over the last two days. Early during 11-on-11 drills, Siemian dropped a perfect pass over Lorenzo Doss to Fowler on a fade route. Later, Siemian stayed calm when Zaire Anderson burst through the line and nearly “sacked” him (quarterbacks cannot be touched in practice). Siemian arched his body and threw a pass over Anderson to Jordan Taylor over the middle. During third-down drills, Siemian was 4-4 passing, gaining first downs on each throw.

Meanwhile, Sanchez went 2-3 passing on third down drills (he also scrambled down the middle of the field for another third down conversion). At one point during 11-on-11 drills, Sanchez was penalized for a delay of game before having a pass batted down at the line the next play. He did find Jordan Norwood for a touchdown near the end of practice, but Friday was not his best day of camp.

Of Denver’s three quarterbacks, Paxton Lynch is clearly the most comfortable on the move. Lynch naturally executes roll-out passes, often finding a fullback in the flats or tight end on a flag or crossing route for a completion. When there’s pressure on bootlegs, Lynch has generally stayed calm, either scrambling for positive yardage or throwing the ball away (Sanchez has mostly forced throws or tossed balls into the dirt when facing heavy pressure on roll-out passes; Siemian has not been as smooth as Lynch, either).

First depth chart coming soon

The Broncos will have to release a depth chart before their first preseason game on Thursday. Expect that depth chart to arrive as early as this weekend. Though many spots will be won during preseason, the team’s first depth chart could reveal the team’s current thinking about position battles at running back, tight end and the defensive line. Kubiak has said that he will determine before Aug. 11 how many throws each quarterback will have against the Chicago Bears.

Offensive line shuffles around

Friday’s starting offensive linemen were Russell Okung, Max Garcia, James Ferentz, Darrion Weems and Donald Stephenson. Garcia rotated in and out with Michael Schofield at left guard. Ferentz started at center since Paradis had a rest day. Weems, who is also a tackle, has been filling in for Ty Sambrailo, who has been battling an elbow injury. The team’s best combination would likely be Okung, Garcia, Paradis, Sambrailo and Stephenson. If they are all healthy, those players will likely be the team’s Week 1 starters.

Broncos will face tough decision with Jordan Taylor

Taylor has good hands, and he can play special teams, but he’s no lock to make the roster. Over the past two days, Taylor has been on a different page than all three of Denver’s quarterbacks. Taylor would run his route one way only to have Sanchez, Siemian or Lynch throw a different way. Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Bennie Fowler are locks. Cody Latimer is seemingly a lock because of his special teams ability. That’s four spots. Jordaon Norwood could make the team as a returner, but he may have to beat out Kalif Raymond, who has had a good camp. Taylor is not as good a route runner as Norwood, and he’s not as good a returner as Raymond. Preseason play will likely have a big say in who the team’s bottom receivers are. Taylor can help his chances of making the team starting Aug. 11 against Chicago.

Miscellaneous notes from Friday

Punter Britton Colquitt was the first player on the field . . . on attempts from varying distances, kicker Brandon McManus went 2-2 on field goals when Colquitt held and 2-3 on field goals when Riley Dixon held . . . Devontae Booker is a powerful running back, running through defenders more than once Friday . . . Andy Janovich is no lock to make the team if Juwan Thompson proves that he can be a competent fullback. Thompson has been practicing both fullback and running back . . . 5,587 fans attended practice Friday, a summer high.

The Broncos will return to the field for another open practice Saturday morning at 9:30. Gates open at 8:30 (parking is free for fans).