NFL Rumors: China, Draft, 49ers, Lions, & Patriots

China

• Alex Marvez reports that the NFL could play regular season game in China as early as 2018.
• According to Marvez, there is already a handful of teams who have expressed interest in possibly appearing in the game.

Draft

• Matt Miller reports that EKU OLB Noah Spence has has visits lined up with the Jets, Colts, Packers, Buccaneers, Ravens, Jaguars, Cardinals, and Saints.
• Manish Mehta reports that the Jets recently met with Alabama DT Jarran Reed.
• According to Dave Birkett, the Lions have been doing a lot of work on Alabama DT Jarran Reed and met with him last week, and will do so again in April.
• According to the Houston Chronicle, Maryland OLB Yannick Ngakoue has “piqued” the Texans’ interest and worked out privately for LBs coach Mike Vrabel.
• Todd Archer reports that the Cowboys are scheduled to have a private workout with Florida State LB Terrance Smith today.

49ers

• Nick Wagoner reports that the 49ers have hired Joe Bowden as their new inside linebackers coach.

Lions

• Dave Birkett of the Detriot Free Press reports that the Lions haven’t approached DE Ziggy Ansah’s representatives about a contract extension.
• Instead, they’re expected to pick up Ansah’s fifth-year option, which will run them over $13 million for the 2017 season.

Patriots

• Free agent TE Weslye Saunders tweeted that he has already worked out with the Patriots.