Ben Cleveland Bio
Benjamin Keith Cleveland (born August 25, 1998) is an American professional football guard for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 360 pounds, he plays the interior line position and has been a member of the Ravens organization since the 2021 NFL Draft. Cleveland developed into a dependable guard during his college years at the University of Georgia, where he earned All-American and All-Southeastern Conference recognition. He was selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 draft with the 94th overall pick.
A native of Toccoa, Georgia, Cleveland committed to the University of Georgia before his junior season of high school and spent the rest of his developmental years working toward a professional career. After being drafted, he signed a four-year rookie contract and began competing for a starting role along the offensive line in Baltimore.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Keith Cleveland was born on August 25, 1998, in Toccoa, Georgia. He grew up in the small northeastern Georgia town and attended Stephens County High School, where he played both baseball and football. His size and footwork made him a natural fit for the trenches, and he quickly drew attention from college recruiters.
During his high school career, Cleveland was rated as a four-star recruit. He committed to the University of Georgia to play college football during the summer before his junior season, choosing the Bulldogs over other programs. His decision to commit early allowed him to focus on physical development and technical refinement as a senior.
Cleveland’s combination of length, strength, and athletic ability made him a priority recruit for the Bulldogs. He signed with Georgia and joined the program with the expectation that he would develop into a long-term contributor on the offensive line.
Path to American Football
Cleveland’s path to the NFL began on the practice fields of the University of Georgia, where he redshirted his true freshman season. He used that year to adjust to the speed and physicality of Division I football while adding strength to his 6-foot-6 frame. By his redshirt freshman year, he had earned a meaningful role on the offensive line.
He played in all 15 of Georgia’s games as a redshirt freshman and started the final five, including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game. The early exposure to a high-stakes college schedule helped him prepare for the demands of the Southeastern Conference.
As a redshirt sophomore, Cleveland started eight games and missed six others due to injury. He came back healthy as a redshirt junior, playing in 13 games with seven starts at right guard. By his senior season, he had locked down the right guard position and emerged as a team leader on the offensive line.
Ben Cleveland Career
Early Career (2021)
Cleveland was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick. The Ravens obtained that pick as part of a trade that sent offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs. On July 20, 2021, Cleveland signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4.8 million.
His first training camp was interrupted when he was placed on the active/non-football injury list on July 21. Cleveland made his way back to the active roster, but on October 12 he suffered a knee injury during a Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts and was placed on injured reserve. He was activated to the active roster on November 20 and finished his rookie season working to earn a larger role.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2022-2024)
After his rookie year, Cleveland continued to develop within the Ravens’ offensive line room. He worked on consistency and conditioning, and he became a reliable depth piece on the interior. By the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he had carved out a role as a rotational guard who could step in for starts when needed.
One of the highlights of his time in Baltimore came in Week 6 of the 2024 season against the Washington Commanders, when Cleveland blocked a field goal attempt by Austin Seibert. The play helped seal a 30-23 victory for the Ravens and showed the kind of effort plays he was known for along the line of scrimmage.
Heading into the 2025 offseason, Cleveland remained part of the Ravens’ plans. On March 15, 2025, he re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens, signaling the team’s continued faith in his development as an interior offensive lineman.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2025-Present)
Cleveland re-joined the Ravens for the 2025 season and continued to work within the team’s offensive line rotation. The Ravens valued his size, strength, and experience at both guard positions, and he provided important depth behind the starting five.
His 2025 season was later interrupted off the field. On December 8, 2025, the NFL suspended Cleveland for three games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The suspension placed his immediate playing future on hold as the Ravens moved toward the end of the regular season.
Driving Style and Strengths
As an interior offensive lineman, Cleveland’s game is built on his combination of size, power, and athleticism. He uses his length to latch onto defenders and his lower-body strength to anchor against bull rushes. He has shown the ability to play both guard spots and contribute on special teams, including field goal and extra point protection units, which is where his blocked field goal against Washington highlighted his value.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cleveland’s most notable professional moment to date came in Week 6 of the 2024 season, when he blocked a field goal attempt against the Washington Commanders in a 30-23 Ravens victory. He was also recognized in 2020 as a first-team All-SEC selection and a third-team All-American by the Associated Press, both honors earned during the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season at Georgia.
Ben Cleveland Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, Cleveland’s individual statistical categories differ from those of skill position players. His value has been measured by starting assignments, durability, and his impact on team success. During his time with the Baltimore Ravens, he has contributed to a winning culture built around a strong offensive line and a competitive roster.
Baltimore Ravens Highlights
Cleveland was part of the Ravens team that won the Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders in 2024 by a score of 30-23, a game in which he recorded a blocked field goal. He has been a member of the Ravens organization since 2021 and re-signed with the team on March 15, 2025, to continue his role on the offensive line.
Other Wins and Performances
Before turning professional, Cleveland was part of several successful Georgia Bulldogs teams. As a redshirt freshman, he played in all 15 games and started the final five, including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game. His collegiate achievements included a first-team All-SEC selection and third-team All-American honors in 2020.
Ben Cleveland Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cleveland grew up in Toccoa, Georgia, and attended Stephens County High School, where he played baseball and football. He committed to the University of Georgia before his junior season of high school, and the decision helped launch his path toward a professional football career.
Personal Life
Cleveland maintains a presence on social media, where he is known by his official Instagram handle. On February 12, 2025, Cleveland was arrested by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for DUI and failure to maintain lane. According to authorities, he registered a 0.178 reading on a breathalyzer test.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented an important chapter in Cleveland’s professional career. After re-signing with the Baltimore Ravens on March 15, 2025, he returned to the offensive line rotation with hopes of expanding his role. The team relied on his size and experience along the interior as it pushed through the regular season schedule.
Midway through the year, Cleveland faced an off-field setback. On December 8, 2025, the NFL suspended him for three games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The suspension cut into his playing time at a critical stretch of the season and put the remainder of his year in question.
Looking ahead, Cleveland’s contract situation with the Ravens is tied to the rookie deal that runs through the 2025 season. His future with the team will depend on his ability to return from suspension in good standing, stay healthy, and continue developing as a reliable interior lineman in one of the league’s most respected offensive line rooms.