"If Heath Miller could just catch a few more passes, he'd be a shoo-in for the Pro Bowl.

So goes the conventional wisdom regarding the Steelers' talented tight end.

With 24 receptions through four games - putting him on pace for 96 catches, double his career-best total - Miller is taking his rightful place among the top receiving tight ends in the NFL.

"I've always felt he's the best tight end in the AFC," Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said about the fifth-year pro from Virginia. "His numbers are better. They're right where we'd hope they'd be."

Miller's numbers (24 receptions, 181 yards, two touchdowns) entering today's game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field are right in line with how tight ends around the league are being used.

A record 15 tight ends are on pace to catch 50 or more passes in 2009. Twenty tight ends have at least two touchdown receptions.

In 2003, only four tight ends had at least 50 catches, according to STATS, LLC.

Atlanta acquired Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City to bolster the passing game. Gonzalez has 13 receptions and leads the Falcons with 260 receiving yards. No Atlanta tight end had more than 15 catches in 2008.

The Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2005, Miller had a career-best 48 receptions for 514 yards and three touchdowns last season. At his current pace, he could shatter those totals in catches and receiving yards.

"When you get your opportunities, you make the most of them. It feels good to contribute to the team that way," said Miller, who's tied for second in receptions among tight ends with San Diego's Antonio Gates.

Modest about his accomplishments, Miller offered little insight into his success this season.

Arians suggested that defenses are doubling Santonio Holmes more on the outside, leaving the middle of the field open."