Analytics have become a big part of professional football, but it didn't take deep analysis to figure out that Ben Cleveland might be good at blocking field goals.
He's huge and looking for work. Simple as that.
The thing is, it's uncommon for offensive linemen to be on field-goal block units. So it wasn't until Cleveland came to Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton earlier this month and suggested it that it dawned on the Ravens to give it a try.
That decision panned out, as Cleveland blocked a 52-yard field goal at the end of the first half against the Commanders, keeping momentum in the Ravens' favor in a 30-23 win. It was a big play from a big 6-foot-6 man.
Turns out, blocking field goals is kind of Cleveland's thing dating back to his high school days in Georgia.
"Obviously in high school I was like a size anomaly compared to everybody else anyway," Cleveland said. "So yeah, shoot, I think in my four years of high school I probably blocked 10 or 15. I mean, it was just like every other week.
"I told Chris a couple weeks ago, I was like, 'My grandma, she's still got a picture on the refrigerator of when I blocked one in high school. I need to get Nana in a new picture to put on the refrigerator for an update.'"
Sure enough, the photo of Cleveland's professional field goal block is now up on her fridge.
Cleveland's celebration after getting the block was epic, as he ran off the field wildly waving his arms and screaming "I got that [bleep]!"
"It was such a surreal moment," Cleveland said. "I just blocked a field goal in an NFL football game. You know, that's cool stuff. That was definitely like very emotional."
Head Coach John Harbaugh gave Cleveland a game ball after the victory, a token of appreciation for Cleveland's journey, as well as his big play. The ball still sits in the back of Cleveland's truck because he says that's where it's safest.
Horton said it was a good time to call on Cleveland because the Ravens were without defensive lineman Broderick Washington last week versus the Commanders. Horton said Cleveland has earned a full-time role, or at least as a top sub.
"You need a giant, you need a guy that's got some reach – a guy that can get his hands up and get somewhat off the ground," Horton said. "Thats really what makes those guys. And then, when you watch those plays across the league, it's all 'want to.' It's just a guy that wants to go out there and realize that there are points to be had from the other team, and how can we affect that?
"I'm really excited for him. When a guy tells you he wants to do something, then you believe in him, because he truly, really wants to be out there and give you his all to do whatever he's got to do to help the team."
Finding a role feels good for a player that was expected to claim one of the Ravens' two open starting guard spots this summer. That didn't pan out, but Cleveland has kept working, kept trying to contribute.
"That's the part of being a professional is doing what you're asked to do when you're asked to do it," Cleveland said. "You know, everybody's time's going to come. We're going to need all 12 of us on the offensive line at some point in time during this season. So it's just making sure you stay ready for that moment. You ain't going to get nowhere with a bad attitude or being negative about things."
