Thomas Welch (American football)

Dwayne Thomas Welch, Jr. (born June 19, 1987) is an American football offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Vanderbilt.

He has also been a member of the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and St. Louis Rams also Philadelphia Eagles.

Early years
Welch attended Brentwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee, where he played football.

College career
Following high school, Welch played football at Vanderbilt University, where he redshirted as a tight end in 2005. As a freshman in 2006, Welch moved to offensive tackle early in the season after injuries to the team's starting tackles and played in seven games. In 2007, Welch was the team's top offensive tackle reserve and also played on special teams, earning the team's Specialist of the Week award against Kentucky. As a junior in 2008, Welch started all 13 games at right tackle, earning the team's Offensive Player of the Week award against South Carolina. In 2009, his senior season, Welch started 11 games at left tackle and twice earned Offensive Player of the Week Award honors. While at Vanderbilt, Welch played with many great NFL players such as D.J. Moore, Jonathan Goff, Chris Williams and Myron Lewis.

First stint with Patriots
Welch was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract on June 4. He was waived during final cuts on September 4, 2010. Welch was offered a chance to be on the Patriot's Practice Squad, but he politely declined. He later accepted the Vikings Practice squad offer and eventually was activated to the 53 man roster. He was on the 53 man roster for the final four weeks of the season once Steve Hutchinson was placed on IR.

Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings signed Welch to their practice squad on September 6, 2010.

Second stint with Patriots
The New England Patriots signed Welch to their practice squad on September 5, 2011. He was signed to the active roster on September 12, 2011. He was released on September 14, 2011. Welch was added back to the practice squad on September 15.

St. Louis Rams
After being added to the Buffalo Bills' practice squad in November, the St. Louis Rams signed him on November 22, 2011. He was waived on May 3, 2012.

Philadelphia Eagles
Welch was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles on May 4, 2012.