Don’t sleep on Terrance West

After joining the Baltimore Ravens last November, Terrance West played well for the hometown team. Following Justin Forsett's broken arm, West complimented Javorius Allen’s elusiveness with tough downhill running, forming a capable committee. Over the final six games of the season, West average 3.9 yards per attempt on 46 carries, and chipped in four catches. West did not find the end zone last season, but he also avoided fumbling while wearing purple.

The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec reported that West is in the best shape of his life, "leaner and more explosive." Clifton Brown asked head coach John Harbaugh how West has fared this offseason. Harbaugh praised West, "Terrance has done a great job...He looks quick. He looks fast." Harbaugh elaborated, "The next part of it is the pass protection and the alignments and the assignments...I think he’s done a really good job with improving on (that) this spring, and I can’t wait to see him in training camp."

West will be fighting for a roster spot among a crowded running back field. Many consider standard bearer Justin Forsett along with recent draft picks Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon to be locks to make the roster. If the Ravens carry their normal allocation of three running backs on the regular season depth chart, that would leave West, Lorenzo Taliaferro and Trent Richardson on the outside looking in.  Zrebiec noted that West is ahead of Taliaferro in the current pecking order and Richardson may need knee surgery.

Assuming Forsett, Allen and Dixon all survive the final cut, West may compel the Ravens to keep four running backs on the roster for 2016. Listed at 5-10 225, West has a more powerful frame and running style than Forsett, Allen or Dixon, who all excel at catching passes more than running between the tackles.

The Ravens offense has room for improvement in short yardage running. If the Ravens defense can hold more fourth quarter leads, West’s skill set could prove useful to finish games next season.