Halicke: Look beyond the flashy numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS -- 40-yard dash times are fun to talk about. No doubt. There will be players that record some eye-popping numbers during the various drills in front of team executives, coaches and scouts this week at Lucas Oil Stadium.

But, at the end of the day, that's not why the Scouting Combine is the highlight of the draft process.

Teams are still building their draft boards right now and having various pre-draft meetings to evaluate their existing talent to measure where the true needs are on the roster. In turn, events such as the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine give teams a chance to get a closer look at the incoming crop of prospects. But, it's not their first up-close look. Rather, in most cases, it's to verify what they've already seen in person and on film.

However, that doesn't mean the Combine is by any means overrated.

This is a chance for players to not only prove what scouts and coaches have seen on film, but it provides the opportunity for them to disprove some potential deterrents that could impact their draft stock. Last year, George Pickens not only showed the Steelers what he's capable of from a physical standpoint at the Combine, but did more than enough while meeting with the team to put any rumors about his character to rest.

In case you don't remember, Mike Tomlin took serious offense to a question about the development of Pickens' maturity and character during his end of season press conference.

"I sometimes get resistant when I get asked about his maturity and character-related things because oftentimes I believe he got mischaracterized pre-draft," Tomlin said. "So, that's why I'm combative at times and defensive when it comes to him. He's a quality young man. He is. He's professional. He's been really consistent in his work throughout. He loves football. He likes to work. We haven't seen a lot of things that we hear rumors about regarding in terms of him, and that's why we defend him."

On top of the character issues, players can use this time to show that any concerns about their health can be quelled during this week as well. One prospect in this upcoming class that stands out in that regard is Clemson's Bryan Bresee. At one point, Bresee was heading toward being a consensus top-10 pick. At 6-5 and 305 pounds, Bresee has great size for an interior defender in today's game. Couple that size with great power and quickness, and NFL teams have a legitimate starter on their hands.

However, an ACL injury during the 2021 season limited him to only four games. Then, he missed a few more last season due to a kidney infection. In nine games during the 2022 season, Bresee recorded only eight tackles and two assists. As a pass rusher, he produced 21 total pressures, which included 15 QB hurries, four QB hits, and two sacks on the year.

If Bresee passes the medical process during the Combine with flying colors, the Steelers could have a much better idea of what they might be getting if they entertained selecting him at No. 17 overall. Or, Bresee could possibly raise his stock enough where he might not even be available when Pittsburgh is on the clock.

What Pickens did last year and what Bresee could do this year are just two examples of what many players can do this week. By this time, scouts have done the majority of the leg work. Now, it's time for them to wow teams in meetings. It's time for them to say all the right things on top of what they can show on the football field.

Tomlin and Omar Khan could have a much better idea of what type of player they are getting through a meeting rather than watching what they could do during a 40-yard dash or three-cone drill. Remember, Tomlin loves football people. There's a certain breed he's after in building this team. Pickens is just one example, and the Combine helped sift through the dirt to show he's what the Steelers look for in a player, regardless of the position.

That's what'll happen agains this year. And, that's the true value of what will happen during this week in Indianapolis.

MORE FROM THE SCOUTING COMBINE

• Heading into the Combine, the Steelers have a number of holes that can be addressed through free agency and the draft. Of the team needs, here's how I believe the team prioritizes them ahead of the Combine:

1. Cornerback: Not necessarily saying this is the most important position the Steelers need to address. However, given the positional value that will be available at 17th overall, this seems like the most likely selection at this point in time. Plus, the Steelers still prioritize cornerbacks that can take the ball away. If either Illinois' Devon Witherspoon or Oregon's Christian Gonzalez are available when the Steelers are on the clock, I have a hard time seeing them go in another direction.

2. Offensive line: The Steelers could definitely use an offensive lineman or two in this draft. And, there are some that have a say in building the big board that would rather prioritize this position. If a prospect such as Georgia's Broderick Jones fell to the Steelers in the first round, that could very well be their first selection. However, that's unlikely at this point given the needs of the Raiders, Jets, Titans and possibly the Patriots. Plus, there's some internal belief in what the offensive line did together last season. In a lot of ways, cornerback feels like a position that will garner more attention at this point, though offensive line will receive its due diligence.

3. Defensive tackle: If everything checks out with Bresee's medical, he could seriously be an intriguing option in the first round. Adding to the interior of the defensive line is something that needs to be done this offseason, even if that means utilizing a high draft pick. Remember, the Steelers have four selections in the top 80 picks of this year's draft. And, this position has decent depth this year. Wisconsin's Keenau Benton, a projected third-round pick, is already known to be on the Steelers' radar.

4. Edge rusher: Yes, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are here to stay -- especially if Highsmith earns a contract extension before the 2023 season begins. However, the Steelers need to begin thinking about a replacement for Cam Heyward. Yes, he's still playing at an elite level, but he probably only has a couple more really good seasons in him, and the Steelers can't afford to have a lengthy gap in that quality play up front. Iowa State's Will McDonald IV and Georgia Tech's Keion White are some intriguing options that could be available in the second round.

5. Inside linebacker: As deep as this position is in free agency, it's that thin in the draft. Pro Football Focus ranks only three off-ball linebackers -- Washington State's Daiyan Henley (38), Clemson's Trenton Simpson (59) and Iowa's Jack Campbell (64) in the top 80 of their big board. However, this is clearly a position of need for the Steelers. And, if they don't get what they need in free agency, there are options in the middle rounds that could turn into legitimate players. A week like this is vital for players in this position.

• This is Khan's first Scouting Combine as general manager of the Steelers. He's scheduled to speak to local reporters Tuesday morning prior to addressing national media members at the podium. Of course, I'll be all over that.

• Tuesday and Wednesday are dedicated to NFL executives/coaches and prospects addressing the media at various podiums. Prospects have allotted times to address the media from Tuesday through Saturday. Drills will take place Thursday through Sunday: Defensive line and linebackers on Thursday (2:00 p.m.), defensive backs on Friday (2:00 p.m.), quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends on Saturday (12:00 p.m.) and running backs and offensive line on Sunday (12:00 p.m.).

• For those fascinated with 40-yard dash times, I'll acquiesce. Last year's Combine was the fastest on record -- the average time was 4.71 seconds. 40 times haven't gotten much faster over recent years, and there's plenty of skill in this year's class. There will be some burners.

• As prospects and teams prepare for the draft, Steelers players are already preparing for the 2023 season. Kenny Pickett, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Anthony Miller have been working out together recently. And, they sure look like they're having a good time doing it.