New England takes Ex-Vandy Welch in Round 7

Vanderbilt offensive tackle Thomas Welch was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the National Football League Draft on Saturday afternoon. Welch, from Brentwood, Tenn., becomes the second Commodore offensive tackle selected in the last three drafts, joining Chris Williams, who was a first-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2008. Welch finished his Commodore career by starting 25 consecutive games, playing right tackle during Vanderbilt's 2008 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl campaign, then switching to left tackle as a senior. Welch made the move to left tackle comfortably. In two of Vanderbilt's three games, he earned the team's offensive player of the week honor. Late in the season, Welch struggled after suffering an ankle sprain against South Carolina. Welch becomes the first Commodore selected by New England since wide receiver Preston Brown was picked in the sixth round in 1980. Welch is the second Commodore selected in this draft. Cornerback Myron Lewis was taken in the third round as the 67th overall pick by Tampa Bay.