Linebacker Karlos Dansby had some pointed words for Justin Gilbert, the Browns first first-round pick from the May draft.

"You've got to go get it," Dansby said. "If you want it, you've got to go get it."

Dansby technically referred to Gilbert seeking information about what it takes to play in the NFL, something Dansby said he did from great players throughout his career. But metaphorically he just as well could have been talking about Gilbert succeeding on the field.

Gilbert hit a new rookie-season low in Carolina, as fourth-round pick Pierre Desir got the start and considerable playing time with Joe Haden out. Desir had barely played before Sunday, but he started with safety Jordan Poyer taking over as nickel back. Gilbert barely saw the field even though Haden and K'Waun Williams both were out with injury.

This is not supposed to happen with a first-round pick, especially one taken in the top 10. But Gilbert has admitted that he has not adjusted to having to play with technique in the NFL; in college he freely admits he played simply with athletic ability.

"I don't know if he's going to make the transition," Dansby said. "It has to be within him. He has to look in the mirror and do that himself."

It hasn't happened. Coach Mike Pettine said that Gilbert's playing time was decreased Sunday because of things that happened on the practice field, and off.

"There was no violation of team rules," Pettine said. "But that's just something that I consider family business I'm not going to elaborate on."

Dansby said a player like Gilbert simply has to realize his opportunity and seize it.

"In college, you have two or three years to play around," Dansby said. "This is real life. A lot of people out here are fighting for jobs, fighting to feed their families.

"Justin is trying to make a transition, and it's tough. It's not easy. It's not easy, especially at that position in this game and in the NFL. There are some grown men out there receiving, and you've got to make the transition and understand what you're doing out there on the field and make adjustments and be able to go out and perform at a high level on a consistent basis."

Both Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel seem to be learning the same tough lesson together: Success in the pros takes far more work and dedication than success in college.

"You have a guy come in and play for two or three years, and then they're out of the league," Dansby said. "You'll never hear from them again. So many first-round picks have done that. Second-round picks that have come in this league and only played two or three years, and they weren't able to make the transition and they were out of the league.

"Look at (former NFL QB) Tim Tebow -- prime example -- wasn't able to make the transition. Now, he's out of the league. If you don't evolve with the league, you're going to be out of the league. It's just how the game goes."

Will Gilbert make that transition?

"It's up to him to make the decision," Dansby said. "I can't make the decision for him. He's a grown man."