Russell Okung has quickly become a leader in Denver. The seventh-year tackle came out to practice early Saturday to demonstrate to recently signed lineman Mathu Gibson how to block a defender in various situations. Okung, 28, is entering his first season with the Broncos.

Russell Okung giving newly signed lineman Mathu Gibson pointers before practice. pic.twitter.com/qtFGakABks — Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) August 6, 2016

Mark Sanchez struggles against Denver’s first-team defense

When Sanchez was on, his favorite target was second-year receiver Bennie Fowler, who had another solid practice Saturday. During 7-on-7 drills, Sanchez went 1-5 (his one completion was a touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders). Later, during 11-on-11 move-the-ball drills, Sanchez threw an interception to Bradley Roby that was returned for a touchdown. Sanchez did end practice better than he began it, finding Fowler twice for touchdowns during red zone drills.

Trevor Siemian has been the best quarterback the last three days, but he has played against the second team defense more than Sanchez has. Siemian looked smooth on bootleg passes Saturday, tossing a handful of touchdowns during 7-on-7 drills and connecting with Cody Latimer for a touchdown during 11-on-11 drills. Siemian deserves to start against the Chicago Bears in the team’s preseason opener on Thursday, Aug. 11.

Paxton Lynch excelled in the red zone, throwing a handful of touchdown passes and adding a score on the ground. Lynch is the team’s most mobile quarterback and he will be exciting to watch in preseason.

Devontae Booker shows off his power

If Booker runs in preseason like he has during camp, he’s going to see the field often in 2016. Booker runs with power, breaking away from the defense more than once Saturday for scores and catching a touchdown pass from Lynch. Booker’s receiving ability will help his chances of getting on the field this season.

Justin Simmons will make an impact on defense

Justin Simmons will play right away on special teams, but he also has potential to contribute on defense as a safety. In some packages, Denver has safety T.J. Ward play inside linebacker next to Brandon Marshall. When that happens, Simmons plays safety across from Darian Stewart. Simmons has played the ball well in camp—his ball-hawking ability will earn him early playing time on defense.

Miscellaneous notes from Saturday

5,370 fans attended practice Saturday . . . Von Miller embarrassed Michael Schofield at one point during one-on-one drills, dipping under the offensive lineman and beating him for a would-be sack. Shane Ray took a page out of DeMarcus Ware’s playbook and got around Lars Hanson with a beautiful spin move during one-on-one drills . . . center Matt Paradis got the wind knocked out of him at one point during practice but was able to return to the field . . . Donald Stephenson is expected to miss a few days with a calf injury, according to coach Gary Kubiak . . . Juwan Thompson and Virgil Green both fumbled Saturday—the defense has been playing aggressively . . . Cody Latimer and Kalif Raymond both fumbled kick returns . . . Thompson and Andy Janovich have been rotating in and out at fullback and on special teams . . . Garrett Graham made a nice one-handed catch when Lynch threw a pass behind him . . . the defense scored twice Saturday—Roby had a pick six and Ward ran back Green’s fumble for a score.

The Broncos will have off Sunday and return to practice Monday.