Can Malik Hooker make Browns think twice about a QB at No. 12?

The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback, but Ohio State safety may be too good to pass up when the Browns are on the clock in the 2017 NFL Draft.

As we move closer to the 2017 NFL Draft, every draft analyst and their brother wants to fix the Cleveland Browns quarterback problem by mock drafting a quarterback with the second of the team’s two first-round picks.

The most mentioned names at that slot are Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer or North Carolina’s Mitchell Trubisky.

But what if the Browns are not targeting a quarterback at No. 12?

Related: Browns could consider a WR at No. 12

Ohio State held its Pro Day on Thursday and there was a solid presence of NFL head coaches in attendance, including Browns head coach Hue Jackson. Those in attendance witnessed dynamic athletes such as running back Curtis Samuel and wide receiver Noah Brown, but most of the coaches likely came out to see the stars of the Buckeyes’ secondary.

Notably dubbed as this year’s DBU (Defensive Back University), cornerback Marshon Lattimore, safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Gareon Conley are all ranked near, or at the top, of their position on most draft analysts’ boards.

Now you might be asking yourself, why is this all important?

With the Browns likely using the No. 1 overall selection on Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, the No. 12 pick is where the air gets a little foggy. Will the Browns take a quarterback or will they take the best player available?

It may mean something or it may not, but executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown and Jackson decided not to attended the Pro Days for Kizer, Watson and Trubisky, preferring to meet with them during private workouts.

Doesn’t it seem odd then that Jackson decided to attend Ohio State’s Pro Day over those of the top quarterback prospects? Maybe it was just to take a look at all some of the top NFL prospects all in one setting, but…

Ben Axelrod, who covers Ohio State for LandOf10.com, believes that Jackson only made the trip to Columbus to scout one player and one player only, and that is Hooker.

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This past season Hooker was voted a Unanimous All-American after recording 74 tackles and seven interceptions, three of which he returned for a touchdown, and is regarded as one of, if not the best, safety in this year’s draft class.

Hooker had surgery after the 2016 college football season to repair a torn hernia and labrum, but even with that injury he is still being compared by some analysts to former Baltimore safety Ed Reed, who was one of the best players at the position in league history.

Trubiksy, Watson or any other quarterback may not be off the table with the No. 12 selection, but it looks as if the Browns are keeping an open mind about their options. The Browns have several holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, and could have a choice to make come April if all these players are staring them in the face.

The Browns may be facing a decision over taking a question mark at the quarterback position or selecting an elite safety prospect, one that Jackson may have made a special trip to visit with. It may be hard for the Browns to pass on a quarterback, but after seeing that photo of Jackson and Hooker, and knowing that the Browns showed an interest during free agency in safeties Tony Jefferson and Bradley McDougald, it gets a little easier to see them drafting a safety if Hooker is available..

Next: Myles Garrett emerging as the No. 1 pick

Jackson’s visit to Columbus may signal that the Browns  have finally decided to take note of the quality of players that Ohio State football has been sending to the league. Who knows, maybe the Browns are finally taking their time and realizing you need to build a team before getting the quarterback.

We will find out come draft day.