PITTSBURGH -- In college, Heath Miller's nickname was "Big Money." As a pro, the Steelers think he'll be worth every penny.

Miller, a junior from the University of Virginia, was Pittsburgh's first-round draft choice on Saturday. He was taken No. 30 overall.

On Monday morning, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound tight end held a press conference at the Steelers' headquarters on the South Side.

Miller said he looks forward to catching passes -- something the team's tight ends haven't done too much in recent seasons.

"I want to be a complete tight end," Miller said. "I want to be able to block and run routes. But I realize this is a different level. The NFL is full of great athletes. I'll have to raise my game in every aspect to be competitive and successful."

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Message Board: Talk About The Steelers' Draft
More Miller: See His College Web Bio
Flashback Slideshow: Steelers Get Roethlisberger ('04 Draft)

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A consensus All-American in 2004, Miller led Virginia with 41 catches for 541 yards and five touchdowns. He won the Mackey Award, given to the best tight end in the country.

In 39 career college games, Miller had 144 receptions for 1,703 yards and 20 touchdowns, setting Atlantic Coast Conference records for a tight end in all three categories.

Miller had surgery for a sports hernia in January and is still recovering. He was not able to work out for the Steelers before the draft, so they are taking a chance on his speed, but he has reportedly been clocked as fast as 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash in the past.

In an ESPN interview shortly after Miller was drafted, coach Bill Cowher said the tight end may have to sit out spring minicamp but should be ready to go when training camp opens.

The last time the Steelers took a tight end in the first round was 1990, when they chose Eric Green from Liberty University.

Click here for complete draft results from rounds 1-3.

More Steelers Draft Picks:

Round 2 (No. 62 overall): Bryant McFadden, cornerback, Florida State (5 feet 11 inches, 190 pounds)
Round 3 (No. 93 overall): Trai Essex, offensive tackle, Northwestern (6-4, 324)
Round 4 (No. 131 overall): Fred Gibson, wide receiver, Georgia (6-4, 202)
Round 5 (No. 166 overall): Rian Wallace, linebacker, Temple (6-4, 243)
Round 6 (No. 204 overall): Uikelotu Kemoeatu, guard, Utah (6-3, 344)
Round 7 (No. 228 overall): Shaun Nua, defensive end, Brigham Young (6-5, 270)
Round 7 (No. 244overall): Noah Herron, running back, Northwestern (5-11, 224)