Ben Cleveland is in severe trouble as Bill Belichick expresses his love for the Baltimore Ravens in a number of ways.

Ben Cleveland in Severe Trouble as Bill Belichick Expresses His Love for the Baltimore Ravens in a Number of Ways

In a surprising turn of events, former Georgia Bulldogs star and current Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland is facing significant off-field challenges, raising concerns about his future in the NFL. At the same time, the legendary Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots, has made it clear that he has a deep respect for the Ravens organization and its overall impact on the NFL landscape. While seemingly unrelated, these two narratives intersect in the world of professional football, offering intriguing insights into how an NFL team, a coach, and a player’s future can evolve in unexpected ways.

Ben Cleveland’s Troubling Situation

Ben Cleveland, known for his dominant play at the University of Georgia, entered the NFL as a promising prospect with the Baltimore Ravens. Selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Cleveland was expected to provide the team with the kind of powerful offensive line play that Baltimore is known for. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 357 pounds, Cleveland was billed as a future cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line, bringing both size and power to their running game, which has been a staple of the team’s success over the years.

However, Cleveland’s path has been far from a straightforward rise to stardom. His NFL journey has been marred by challenges both on and off the field, and as of 2025, it seems he may now face even greater hurdles that could impact his career. Cleveland’s name has recently surfaced in relation to several issues that have raised eyebrows across the league. While these concerns are still unfolding, the potential for a significant setback looms large, casting doubt on Cleveland’s future with the Ravens.

The biggest issue currently facing Cleveland stems from legal troubles. Reports indicate that the 24-year-old lineman was involved in an off-field incident that led to his arrest. The nature of the arrest, involving a DUI (driving under the influence) charge, has placed Cleveland under intense scrutiny, both from the public and from the Ravens organization.

NFL teams hold their players to high standards of conduct, and any legal issues can dramatically affect a player’s standing with the team. For Cleveland, this could lead to disciplinary action from the Ravens, including the possibility of suspension or even termination of his contract if the situation escalates. While Cleveland’s talent on the field is undeniable, these off-field incidents can overshadow a player’s potential, and the Ravens may be left with no choice but to sever ties if the legal issues cannot be resolved quickly and effectively.

Furthermore, Cleveland has struggled with injuries throughout his young career. While he was a key piece of the Georgia Bulldogs’ offensive line, and his size and strength were considered major assets when he entered the NFL, he has not been able to stay consistently healthy. Persistent injuries have prevented him from becoming a regular starter and contributing to the Ravens’ offensive success in the way that many expected.

The combination of these off-field issues and injury concerns places Cleveland’s future in serious jeopardy. The Ravens may need to make difficult decisions in the coming months regarding his status with the team. If Cleveland cannot overcome his legal challenges and injuries, the organization may opt to move on, particularly with the depth of talent already on the Ravens’ roster and the team’s overall goals for future success.

Bill Belichick’s Admiration for the Ravens

While Ben Cleveland’s future hangs in the balance, another figure is making headlines for his admiration of the Ravens organization: Bill Belichick. The New England Patriots’ head coach is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in NFL history. Known for his success in building winning teams, particularly through a combination of strategic acumen and roster manipulation, Belichick has had a keen eye for what makes certain franchises successful. And when it comes to the Ravens, Belichick has been vocal about his respect for the organization in multiple ways.

Belichick’s Love for the Ravens’ Culture

The Ravens, under the guidance of John Harbaugh, have consistently fielded competitive teams that combine strong defense, special teams, and a powerful running game. The organization’s commitment to building tough, disciplined teams has earned it a reputation as one of the most well-respected in the league. Belichick, often viewed as a mastermind of defense and team-building, has frequently praised the Ravens’ approach, particularly their ability to draft and develop players who fit their scheme.

In a recent interview, Belichick acknowledged that the Ravens’ organizational philosophy and commitment to excellence had a profound influence on his own thinking about how to structure an NFL team. He described the Ravens as a “model organization” that knows how to build through the draft, develop players, and maintain a strong team culture. The admiration is mutual, as the Ravens have long been known for their defensive prowess and their ability to draft talent in key positions, many of which Belichick himself has sought to emulate in his own roster-building process.

In fact, the Ravens and the Patriots share similar philosophical underpinnings. Both teams place a significant emphasis on defensive efficiency, with the Ravens consistently ranking among the league’s best in total defense. Similarly, both organizations value versatility in their players, which allows them to run varied schemes without sacrificing performance. It’s clear that, from a strategic standpoint, Belichick views the Ravens as a team to emulate and study.

Belichick’s Comments on Ravens Players

Beyond the Ravens’ front office and team-building strategies, Belichick has also shown respect for individual Ravens players over the years. Notably, Ray Lewis, the legendary linebacker who was the face of the Ravens’ defense for over a decade, has been frequently lauded by Belichick for his leadership and football IQ. Belichick has often spoken about Lewis’s ability to understand the game at a level few players could match, making him one of the most respected opponents of the Patriots during their many playoff matchups.

Another player that Belichick has often praised is Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback and one of the most exciting players in the NFL today. Belichick has acknowledged Jackson’s unique skill set, which has made the Ravens’ offense one of the most dangerous in the league. Jackson’s dual-threat ability as both a passer and a rusher has presented challenges for even the most disciplined defensive minds, including Belichick. Despite facing Jackson’s Ravens several times, Belichick has repeatedly praised his performance, speaking highly of the young quarterback’s potential and the Ravens’ ability to build an offense around him.

Belichick’s Strategy to Match the Ravens’ Success

It’s clear that Belichick admires the structure and the success of the Ravens’ football operations. In fact, several of Belichick’s moves over the years have been influenced by the Ravens’ approach to roster management and game strategy. For example, the Patriots have tried to emulate the Ravens’ physical style of play by investing in strong defensive players and focusing on controlling the clock with a balanced offensive attack.

Belichick’s comments about the Ravens reflect a desire to keep the Patriots competitive in the modern NFL, where teams that are able to adapt to new trends while maintaining a strong foundation are the ones that remain successful year after year. Belichick’s consistent respect for the Ravens’ model shows how highly he values teams that are able to build around their strengths while still maintaining the flexibility to evolve as the league changes.

What This Means for Cleveland’s Future

While Belichick’s admiration for the Ravens adds an interesting dynamic to the conversation, it does little to address the immediate concerns surrounding Ben Cleveland’s future. Cleveland now finds himself in a precarious position, where both legal and physical setbacks could ultimately lead to him being cut from the Ravens’ roster. With the team needing to make decisions that align with both their long-term vision and salary cap constraints, Cleveland’s off-field troubles could very well result in his departure.

For Cleveland, the next few months will be critical in determining his NFL future. If he can overcome his legal issues, stay healthy, and prove he can still perform at a high level, he may be able to salvage his career. However, if the Ravens decide to move on, Cleveland may need to explore opportunities elsewhere, either within the NFL or outside the league.