Karson Sharar is a 6’1, 231-pound linebacker from the University of Iowa. He was a 3 star prospect out of Iowa Falls-Alden High School. He was 1st Team All-District as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He was team captain and 1st Team All-State as a senior. He finished his senior season with 81 tackles and 2 defensive touchdowns as a linebacker, to go along with 1,325 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns as a running back. Despite his high school accomplishments against 2A competition, Iowa was the only FBS program to offer him a scholarship. Instead of using his predicament to complain, Karson’s goal was to be a Power 5 college football player. The moment Iowa offered, he committed on the spot, no questions asked. Karson redshirted in 2021. From 2022 – 2024, he was a backup linebacker and special teams ace. In 2025, he started at WILL linebacker as a redshirt senior. He had a healthy season after battling undisclosed injuries for years. In 13 games, he led the Hawkeyes with 83 tackles, 42 solo, 41 assists, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 6 quarterback pressures, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass breakup.
Iowa runs a versatile 4-2-5 defense. Their defense finished in the top 10 in several categories: total defense, scoring defense, 4th-down defense, defensive stop rate, and yards allowed per play (TeamRankings.com). Their coaching staff does a good job of developing defensive players and setting them up for success. Within the 4-2-5, Karson could generate pressure and communicate checks to get everyone on the same page. Against Indiana in 2025, he put pressure on Heisman trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza, as a spy or blitzer. Karson prefers to shoot through the A and B gaps rather than rushing off the edge.
Karson has good size and traits as a linebacker. His arm length is below average at 31 ⅛ inches, but the hand size is ideal at 10 ⅛ inches. He ran a 4.56 in the forty-yard dash and a 1.59 ten-yard split at the NFL combine. The closing speed was on full display against Iowa State in 2025. While Karson doesn’t have an initial burst or twitch at the line of scrimmage, he can recover and accelerate from point A to point B. He was given the “Iowa Hustle Award” for his pursuit, effort, dedication, and work ethic. His style of play garnishes respect from his peers and coaching staff. His willingness to do whatever the team needs makes him a leader and star in his role. This mindset will always keep him in the running for special teams opportunities, particularly roles on kickoff and punt units.
When Karson played against USC in 2025, he put his hands up in the passing lanes. His 40-inch vertical jump makes it hard for the quarterback to throw the ball over his head. He has the range to buzz in zone coverage and play tight coverage close to the box. His trigger can be a step slow at times, but he knows where to be when it comes to pass defense. He also doesn’t get fooled by misdirection. In terms of run support, Karson struggles to stay gap sound. He can take himself out of containment, leaving him scrambling to recover in traffic. He struggles to slip and shed blocks. He is also an inconsistent tackler. It’s not for a lack of effort, but more so about his limitations in getting off, physicality, strength, and agility inside the box. The only way for him to improve in these areas is to get more live reps. He only has 13 collegiate starts under his belt.
Scheme and Team Fit:
While Karson played in a 4-2-5 defense in college, he can also play within a 3-4 defense. For it to work, he needs to be surrounded by athletic linebackers who plug gaps. The Green Bay Packers are the best fit for Karson. They have depth and young talent at linebacker within their 3-4 scheme. They’re also trying to make strides on special teams. In 2025, the Packers ranked 4th in Net Punt and 11th in Kickoff coverage.
Player Comparison: Joe Andreessen, Buffalo Bills
As a backup outside linebacker for the Bills, Joe had 23 total tackles and 17 assists on special teams. I can see Karson being a similar type of player in the NFL.
Projection: Special Temper/Developmental Depth
Karson can be a rotational linebacker if he develops into a run-stopper in the box, but I see him having an immediate impact on special teams.
Grade: 3.5, Late Day 2-Early Day 3 Pick
I gave Karson a 3.5 grade with a curve (3.4 initial), projecting him as a late-day 2 or early-day 3 selection in the NFL Draft.
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