CAREER TRANSACTIONS
Thomas Welch was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft ... Waived by the Patriots (9/4/10) ... Signed by Minnesota to the practice squad (9/6/10) .. Signed by Minnesota to the 53-man roster from the practice squad (12/14/10) ... Waived by Minnesota (9/3/11) ... Signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster (9/12/11) ...  Released by the Patriots (9/14/11) ... Signed by the Patriots to the practice squad (9/15/11) ... Signed from the practice squad to to 53-man roster (10/2/11).

SEASONAL REVIEWS

2011 (1/1)

• Saw his first NFL action in a start at tight end, seeing time primarily as a blocker against the Raiders (10/2).

2010 (0/0 - Minnesota)

• Went to training camp with New England after joining the team as a seventh round draft pick.
• After being released by New England at the end of training camp, he was signed to the Minnesota practice squad.
• Joined the Minnesota 53-man roster on Dec. 14 but was inactive for the final four games of the season.

COLLEGE

• Switched to left tackle and started 11 games as a senior despite dealing with an ankle sprain through the final six weeks of the season.
• Started all 13 games at right tackle in 2008, playing more than 90 percent of the Commodores' offensive plays during the season.
• After missing the first two games as a sophomore, participated in every game as the team's top offensive tackle reserve.
• After redshirting in 2005, moved from tight end to offensive tackle and saw action in seven games in 2006.

• Born June 19, 1987.
• Mother, Jennifer Wallens, played college basketball at Rollins (Fla.) College, older brother pitched at Southern Illinois and older sister, Shannon, played collegiate volleyball.
• Earned a degree in Economics in December 2009.