Vataha was selected in the 17th round of that NFL draft (418th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams. Released in training camp, he was signed as a free agent by the New England Patriots, where he was reunited with Plunkett. He was named to UPI's AFC all-rookie team in  and played six seasons with the Patriots.
Vataha was selected in the 17th round of that NFL draft (418th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams. Released during training camp, he became a free agent and signed with the New England Patriots, where he rejoined Plunkett. He earned recognition on UPI's AFC all-rookie team and played six seasons for the Patriots.