Earlier this month, Mel Kiper Jr. released his first mock draft of the offseason and had the Seattle Seahawks taking Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple with the 26th pick.

Cornerback is certainly an area that the Seahawks could target early in the draft. Cary Williams didn't work out as a free agent last year, and Jeremy Lane is an unrestricted free agent.

DeShawn Shead got some valuable playing time at right cornerback and showed he can start there if necessary.

The Seahawks selected Tye Smith in the fifth round of last year's draft. They also have other young options like Mohammed Seisay, Tharold Simon, George Farmer and Stanley Jean-Baptiste whom they will continue to try to develop.

As for Apple, he redshirted his first year with the Buckeyes and started the next two seasons. Official measurements will come in at the combine next month, but NFL.com has him listed at 6-foot-1, 200 pound with long arms, so Apple would fit the physical dimensions the Seahawks look for in their cornerbacks.

Apple was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2015 and was named Ohio State's defensive MVP during its win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. He had four interceptions and 17 pass breakups in 27 games.

Apple will be a player to keep an eye on in the months ahead.