Towson running back Terrance West scheduled to visit Falcons

Several key names in the Atlanta Falcons organization made a trip to Towson University last weekend to take a closer look at running back Terrance West. They must have come away impressed. West is now scheduled to visit the team next week, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.

The Falcons are clearly interested in West's services. The 5-foot-9, 225-pound back is receiving more attention each day as we approach the 2014 NFL Draft.

West played three seasons at Towson, rushing for 4,854 yards and 84 touchdowns on 802 carries. He wasn't exactly a household name (how many Towson players really are?), but scouts love what they see from him. He's projected to be drafted somewhere near Round 3.

His speed won't blow you away, he could improve his pass blocking skills and he has a lot of miles on the tires already. But West is a powerful back who can start making an impact immediately. He isn't one-dimensional either, with 26 catches in his final college season.

Raymond Summerlin of Rotoworld thinks West has the most upside of any small school back.

He has a pretty good jump cut and can link several moves together. He is not going to make a ton of people miss at the next level, but he should be able to adjust to penetration and take advantage of cutback lanes.

West also has great vision. He does a great job of reading blocks and is able to identify cutback lanes. West also shows patience, pressing the hole before bouncing the run outside.

Jason Snelling is gone. Steven Jackson is almost done with his career. The Falcons know they need another running back to work into the mix. Jacquizz Rodgers is not carrying the future of the backfield. Round 3 might be a bit high given the other needs on the roster, but West would make a great fit.

Thoughts on West/the running back outlook in general?