July 26th, 2011 
Branden Lemke 
Posted in UDFA K Nate Whitaker (Stanford) has signed with the Vikings. It is interesting to me that the Vikings sign a kicker, assuming they’d want to re-sign Ryan Longwell. I think Longwell will end up getting re-signed. Think of Whitaker as a “Plan B”.
Also, Utah running back Matt Asiata has signed with the Vikings as well.
I dunno. I’m worried Longwell’s kickoffs will barely cross midfield this year. He’s not exactly a powerhouse of a leg these days.
Well, kickoffs will be from the 35 yard line now rather than the 30 like last year. That could make a HUGE difference for Longwell.
I know, that’s why I said it would CROSS midfield.
lol
Just to put this in perspecitve, Branden, Tomb mocks his mother for the fact that her 40 yard dash time is now in excess of 5.0.
Whitaker need not be plan “B.” He’s an A+ kicker with an amazing leg. He’s accurate, has great air time, and I have a feeling he’ll win the spot.
then why did he go undrafted?
Because kickers are hardly ever drafted!!
kickers are hardly ever drafted because kickers play well into their late 30s and some into their 40s. they hardly get injured and theres only one on the depth chart so a team may go through one kicker every 10+ years.
[...] this fairytale has become a reality today- just one day after the NFL Lockout. Nate has been signed to the Minnesota Vikings and will be competing for the starting kicker’s position this summer in Mankato, [...]
I saw Whitaker kick at all the Stanford home games during the last 2 years. He consistently gets into the end zone or goal line with his kick-offs, even after much work with point-afters and field goals. Much better than average endurance to repeat his kicks.
be on the look out for nate…hes a bad ass kicker…he’s my neighbors son..great kid…also be on the look out for his little brother eric another bad ass kicker at stanford university…..im proud of the whitaker brothers…