Cleveland Browns sign third round pick Terrance West

The Cleveland Browns have come to terms with their third round pick, running back Terrance West.  The former Towson Tiger makes the third pick the Browns have signed and means half of their class is done.  West was part of a plan by the Browns, along with free agent Ben Tate and second round pick Joel Bitonio to establish the run to combine with a tough, talented defense.  While West was a relative unknown to many who follow college football, he became the star and driving force behind Towson’s unlikely road to the FCS Championship.

West, along with Tate and potentially fellow rookie and undrafted free agent Isaiah Crowell, could completely overhaul the running back position and give them the best ground attack the Browns have had since Jamal Lewis in 2007.  While Tate was regarded as the top free agent back when he signed with Cleveland, there are some who think West could ultimately surpass him as the top back for the team this year.  Ultimately, the Browns seem perfectly happy to give both carries as long as they can be productive, taking pressure off of the quarterback position as they model their approach after the Seattle Seahawks.

West signs his deal after being a walk on at Towson where he also worked at a shoe store to keep his NFL dream alive.  The Browns have three coaches on their staff that played their college football at Towson and may have had an impact in the team’s decision to trade up to select West at the end of the third round.  The Browns have three picks still to sign, including Bitonio and first round picks Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel.