The Patriots traded their two non-compensatory 7th round picks (229 and 231) to the Washington for the 1st selection in the 7th round, at 208th overall. With the pick, the Patriots took Thomas Welch, offensive tackle out of Vanderbilt.
At 6-6, 312 pounds, Welch was projected to go somewhere in the 7th round. He has good straight line speed, and gets out of his stance quickly. He has good overall agility, as he was a tight end in high school. He is a little raw, doesn't always sustain his blocks, and needs to add some weight.
Overall, Thomas Welch has some potential, and could be a decent swing tackle for the Patriots if he makes the roster. Greg's Grade: C