After months of speculation, the top college prospects in the game will hear their names called on draft day as they go from All-Americans to NFL players, ascending the stage in Green Bay during the 2025 NFL Draft. Less than a month away, all the combine grades, all the draft scores and all the pundits’ analysis will be less relevant than Mr. Irrelevant himself, as one-by-one, teams make their selections of players who hold the potential to change the trajectory of their franchise.
Whether you’re watching the action amongst the throngs of fans in Green Bay or at one of the Milwaukee Tailgate Week events in Milwaukee, set to bring the excitement of the draft right here to the Cream City, it’s undoubtedly a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment for Wisconsin.
As we gear up for the draft, we wanted to do a mock draft of our own, but instead of Heisman winners and stat-packing athletes, we’ve got a different kind of draft in mind. Check out our brewtiful big board below to see our seven picks in this year’s mock draft. But trust us, there isn’t a bad pick in the bunch.
High Life, Lager, Miller
4.6% ABV, 7 IBU
It was the debate of the offseason: Should Miller High Life go No. 1 overall in this year’s draft? Has the American lager established itself as enough of a global phenomenon that it was a no-brainer first overall pick? Like many top choices before it, High Life has proven itself to be a versatile player, pairing well with just about any occasion with its hallmark crisp, easy-drinking flavor. The beer has the potential to be a franchise-defining lager, an instant starter and a fan favorite for years to come.
Riverwest Stein, Amber, Lakefront Brewery
5.6% ABV, 24 IBU
In the lead-up to this year’s draft, many league sources listed Lakefront’s Riverwest Stein as the top-rated selection on their big boards, with several scouts noting that it had a higher ceiling and even greater depth than its American lager counterpart. This complexity makes Riverwest Stein, and its notes of caramel and hops with a crisp lager finish, an intriguing prospect, leading the way for Lakefront Brewery as its flagship beer. It’s a razor’s edge that separates the two, but it’s certain that whoever winds up with Riverwest Stein is going to reap the benefits from a ready-made starter with just a little more complex flavor.
Mud Puppy Porter, Porter, Central Waters Brewing Company
5.6% ABV, 50 IBU
For teams looking to upgrade with a sturdy option at porter, Mud Puppy Porter out of Central Waters Brewing Company is a leading candidate. Named after the Mudpuppy salamander, this Amherst, Wisc., native brings its big personality to the party with a chocolatey nose and a malty profile with pro comps to generational Hall of Fame brews. It won’t necessarily be the most talked-about pick, but that’s the way the Mud Puppy Porter likes it. Based on its career in Central Waters’ lineup, the porter’s status as a stalwart will be an upgrade at the position and a refreshing addition for any team.
Happy Place, Midwest Pale Ale, Third Space Brewing
5.3%, 45 IBU
A prospect with a huge future ahead, the bright IPA from Third Space Brewing is a skill player with a unique ability to rise to the occasion and adapt to any situation, holding the potential to carry any team to the Happy Place. Unlike some IPAs that are super hoppy and bitter, this Menomonee Valley-based Midwest pale ale balances the hop aromas with notes of citrus and tropical fruit, making it an easy go-to option at every position, from bonfire boon to tailgate staple.
Black Bier, Schwarzbier, New Barons Brewing Co-op
5% ABV, 25 IBU
Black Bier enters our mock draft as a dark-horse candidate to make a major impact heading into the 2025-26 season. The deceptively nimble, high-volume performer out of New Barons has a little edge, a little attitude, a splash of punk rock, and an authenticity that says, with confidence, “It’s not just a phase,” endearing it to fans of good beer throughout Milwaukee. The Schwarzbier is an easy-drinking medium lager with dark fruit notes and a label reminiscent of the iconic punk-rock band Black Flag’s logo.
South Side Crusher, Cream Ale, Torzala Brewing Co.
5.9%, 20 IBU
Two-way players are a rarity in the modern era. They’re a hot commodity, gamebreakers that are so complex that words can’t quite describe their effect on the game and the stat sheet never tells the full story of their performance. Enter the South Side Crusher. Now in its third year out of Torzala Brewing Co., the cream ale has a pro pedigree that leads back to Reginald Lisowski, a.k.a. the Crusher, “The Wrestler Who Made Milwaukee Famous.” It’s a tall order to live up to, but the brew from the Lincoln Warehouse offers a flavorful mix of vanilla, honey and orange, making it an intriguing candidate for this year’s draft.
Plumposa, Fruited Sour, 1840 Brewing Company
6.9% ABV
A great special teams player is an X-factor for a team with a championship pedigree. They have the ability to change the game in a single play and sway the outcome of contests in a way that turns good seasons into parade-worthy occasions. Meet Plumposa, a fruited sour out of 1840 Brewing Company. In its time in Bay View, the beer has proven itself as a perfect brunch beer. Featuring a Plumpy base mixed with orange and tangerine purees, Plumposa is a highly specialized player, but one that's ready to wow the crowd at any moment.
Are you fired up for the 2025 NFL Draft? Get involved in the football-frenzied events of Milwaukee Tailgate Week and make Milwaukee your HQ for draft day in Green Bay! Book your stay today.
