2085 first overall draft choice now a Raven for life
By "Shawn Hickenbottom"

Off-Season 2089 (Baltimore) - New Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ryan Howard made his presence immediately felt within the organization and around the league this morning at a press conference for his appointment.

'First and foremost, I would like to hand out my thanks and my congratulations,' said Howard, well-known among league insiders for his ability to judge the quality and character of players. 'My thanks go out to Joe Malloy, General Manager of the New York Giants, for everything he has taught me and for giving me my introduction into this league. I am eternally grateful. I would also like to offer my congratulations to Steve Harrison and the Kansas City Chiefs on a well-deserved victory and to Lou Lombardo and the Minnesota Vikings for a hard-fought battle.'

Howard also offerred his thanks to league administration. 'I would also like to thank the USAFL brass for this opportunity.'

He wasted no time in getting down to business, as it was announced that starting left tackle Mike Gammon, a former first overall choice from the 2085 entry draft, would be receiving the franchise tag.

'Mike is an incredible talent and one of the best, if not the best, left tackles in the league. He's going to be here for the long haul,' Howard said of Gammon.

Howard also had much to say about the current status of the team.

'I'm walking into a situation where I have a great group of young talent. Aaron Streepy really should be credited for the collection of superstars you see on this squad, and it will be up to me to mold them into championship form,' said Howard.

When asked about the coaching situation, Howard responded, 'I have yet to determine where we will go in terms of how we follow that avenue. I can tell you that I will be a very active GM in terms of my interaction with the team and changes are forthcoming on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.'

When asked about the most difficult task that lied ahead for the team, Howard discussed the forthcoming free agency period.

'I think my biggest priority will be to compete successfully in free agency. We have a couple of guys, most notably right tackle Shane Williams, who will be up,' said Howard. 'There are several guys I don't want to, and likely, won't be letting go of.'