Arizona Cardinals Draft Karson Sharar, Iowa Hawkeyes Linebacker, in Round 6, No. 183 Overall – 2026 NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals selected University of Iowa linebacker Karson Sharar with the 183rd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sharar, a native of Iowa Falls, Iowa, became the 11th linebacker chosen during the Kirk Ferentz era at Iowa and the first Hawkeye linebacker selected since Jack Campbell in 2023.

At 6 feet 2 inches and 235 pounds, Sharar earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media in 2025 after recording 83 tackles, including 12 for loss, with four sacks, six quarterback pressures, and one forced fumble.

During his collegiate career, Sharar appeared in 48 games with 13 starts, accumulating 104 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He began his Iowa career as a key special teams contributor before earning a starting role at linebacker.

The Cardinals, who finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record in the NFC West, used their second pick in the sixth round to select Sharar. Iowa has had at least one player drafted in every NFL Draft since 1978, and Sharar marked the 99th player coached by Kirk Ferentz to be selected in the NFL Draft.

Sharar was the fifth Iowa player chosen in the 2026 NFL Draft, joining offensive linemen Logan Jones (Chicago Bears), Gennings Dunker (Pittsburgh Steelers), and defensive backs Kaden Wetjen (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Beau Stephens (Seattle Seahawks). This marked the second consecutive year Iowa had five players selected in the draft.

Following his selection, Sharar emphasized his versatility, stating he can play multiple linebacker positions including MIKE, WILL, or off-ball roles, and highlighted his ability to contribute as a pass rusher and in the tackle-for-loss category.

Arizona’s coaching staff and front office view Sharar as a developmental prospect who will likely begin his NFL career contributing on special teams while competing for playing time behind established linebackers Mack Wilson, Cody Simon, and recent free agent addition Jack Gibbens.

Analysts noted Sharar’s downhill playing style and closing speed as strengths, while acknowledging areas for growth including consistency in tackling and utilization of his frame. His background as a special teams leader and his leadership qualities were cited as factors aligning with the Cardinals’ personnel evaluation approach under general manager Monti Ossenfort.