Heading into last season, rookie Terrance West was merely expected to spell Ben Tate, who the Browns had signed in free agency to be their starter. Instead, Tate flopped, was cut during the season and West finished as Cleveland’s leading rusher (although his fantasy production was erratic). Overall, though, West’s first waltz through the league was decent considering he played his college ball at a smaller school, Towson. Will West's second tango lead to a move up the fantasy board?
Fantasy Upside
When West has carried the ball at least 15 times, he has generally delivered. He rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries on opening day last year against Pittsburgh and performed well in the season finale with 106 total yards and a touchdown against the Ravens. In between, Terrance produced 90 total yards and a touchdown in a victory over New Orleans and rushed for a score and 94 yards in an upset win against Cincinnati. One of his prime competitors for playing time, Duke Johnson, has missed most of the preseason due to injuries. The other, Isaiah Crowell, has played poorly, averaging less than three yards per carry. The Browns should have a much better offensive line with center Alex Mack back in the lineup. Cleveland head coach Mike Pettine is very passionate about building around the run.
Fantasy Downside
If you ask many observers, West is the least talented of Cleveland’s main backs. Crowell, who had eight touchdowns last year, is a better inside runner and Johnson is a superior receiver. Pettine has been frustrated at times by West practice habits and overall demeanor. The inability to impress his coach with intangibles is an even bigger problem when you factor in Pettine’s wishy-washy ways. West averaged just 3.9 yards a carry last year and an even worse 3.5 yards during the preseason. He generally has not taken advantages of the issues plaguing Crowell and Johnson. Whoever carries the ball for Cleveland will be heavily-targeted by opposing defenses thanks to Cleveland’s dreary passing game.
Bottom Line
West has become overlooked because he is listed as third on the depth chart behind Crowell and Johnson. He may go undrafted in many leagues, but it would not be stunning to see him emerge as Cleveland’s lead back at some point during the season. There often seems to be no rhyme or reason when it comes to determining the pecking order in the Cleveland backfield, and the issues with Johnson and Crowell have compounded that situation. Although it would be unrealistic to expect huge production from West all year, some good games here and there are not out of the question, making him worth a low-round gamble in larger leagues and a possible free agent acquisition in others.
