With a quarterback seemingly not worth a top-10 pick and Reuben Foster’s stock taking a hit after getting booted from the combine over the weekend, there might be a new favorite to land with the 49ers at pick No. 2 in the NFL draft.

Ohio State safety Malik Hooker, who could be a strong fit replicating Earl Thomas at the back end of San Francisco’s new Seahawks-style defense, might be the prospect that makes the most sense. That’s if Myles Garrett goes first to Cleveland, which is widely expected after his explosive combine workout.

Hooker’s the pick for the 49ers in NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks’ mock last week. His take:

John Lynch resists the temptation to reach on a QB to select a dynamic centerfielder with outstanding instincts and ball skills.

Lynch said at the combine that Jimmie Ward is going to get a look at safety this offseason after switching to cornerback in 2016. When he was available, Ward was arguably the 49ers’ top corner, which could mean weakening the position by having him switch.

Additionally, Ward’s missed 13 games in his three seasons with various injuries. The first-round pick in 2014 last year with a shoulder ailment and might be better off preserving his health as a cornerback rather than risking his body with high-speed collisions in the middle of the field. Ward’s listed at 193 pounds.

That’s why Hooker (6-2, 205) is logical for the 49ers, particularly given the value placed at the back end of new coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense. San Francisco figures to play one safety deep on most snaps, requiring elite range on the back end.

A scouting report on Hooker from our friends at Draft Wire:

I’m not a huge fan of hyperbolic pro comparisons for draft prospects, so when I heard Hooker being likened to the legendary Ed Reed, I rolled my eyes before I ever even looked at his film. But after a deep dive into his tape, it’s not hard to see the similarities between the two playmakers. Hooker only needed one year as a starter to establish himself as one of the best center-fielders in the country, proving to be arguably the most dangerous threat to opposing quarterbacks in a Buckeye secondary that featured two more first-round talents in this year’s draft class.

Related Myles Garrett cements top NFL draft prospect status at scouting combine

From CBS Sports:

His change of direction skills, play speed and overall range jump off the film, both as a centerfielder in the deep half of the field and downhill in run support. His ball skills and ballhawking instincts to anticipate, read and break on the ball separates him from most college safety prospects.

Hooker had seven interceptions and returned three for touchdowns during his only season as a starter for the Buckeyes. He’s still considered raw given his overall lack of experience, but his tape speaks for itself.

Excellent play by Malik Hooker showcasing his range vs Clemson. pic.twitter.com/PDAtfkdfpg — Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) January 18, 2017

Hooker won’t participate in drills at the combine with the rest of the secondary players on Monday. He had surgery Jan. 16 to repair a torn labrum in his hip and a sports hernia. He played through the injuries against Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal, where he made the interception shown above.

He played despite knowing he was likely a top-10 pick. Additionally, there’s a growing trend of players skipping their bowl games to preserve their health for the NFL. Hooker wanted to contribute to a national title.

From Cleveland.com at the combine:

“There’s just so much you put into a program like that, so for me to automatically say that I’m not playing because I am a top 10 pick or whatever the scenario may be, I feel like it’s not fair to Ohio State or the guys I worked out with,” Hooker said. “I was there with the offseason working out with them, I was there with the rough part of the program, so I feel like it was what I had to do. “I owed that to the guys and I definitely don’t like sitting out, especially at a time like that when we’re working for a national championship.”

A lot could change between now and the draft. For now, Hooker looks like the prospect that makes the most sense for San Francisco picking second.