BEREA, Ohio – Barkevious Mingo did not play like a former No. 6 overall pick this season. He might never supply the production to justify that lofty status even with two good shoulders.

His statistics – 42 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery – don't suggest a significant impact on the Browns' defense.

But Mingo's season of sacrifice finished in stark contrast to the ones of this year's two first-round picks, Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel. It also was an improvement on his own performance from his rookie year despite what the numbers reflect.

Put another way, you're not going to find teammates or coaches criticizing his lack of effort or maturity.

The LSU product played hurt most of the season, saddled by a shoulder harness that made it difficult for him to use both arms. The outside linebacker also agreed to switch roles, spending more time dropping into coverage and tracking tight ends than rushing the passer.

The result: Mingo rushed the quarterback just 217 times -- a whopping reduction of 119 opportunities from a year ago according to ProFootballFocus.com – and he registered three fewer sacks.

In the bigger picture the Browns were much better against the pass finishing: first in opponent quarterback rating (74.1), second in interceptions (21), fourth in takeaways (29), eight in passing yards per game (224.5) and ninth in scoring defense (21.1 points).

Coach Mike Pettine recently addressed Mingo's selfless effort.

"He had a great attitude about it this year," Pettine said. "I know that the production wasn't necessarily there with him, but he made a lot of plays kind of behind the scenes where he caused production for other guys whether it was causing a quarterback to step up or keeping a quarterback hemmed in the pocket or covering a tight end . . . .

"He did a lot of those thankless jobs, and he did them well. He graded out well, at times. I just know everybody wants to just look at sack production, and for what we ask of him, that's not his primary job."

Cue the fan eye rolls. That hardly sounds like the job description of a top-10 pick. Mingo, 24, probably would be the first to agree.

But Pettine and defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil love to disguise coverages and confuse quarterbacks. Mingo used his athleticism and length (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) to help defend the pass game in ways he never envisioned.

"Up until last year I was going forward, hitting quarterbacks," he said. "That's what (the previous management team) brought me here for. It's what I enjoy doing. At some point I'd love to do it again.

"(But) I feel like I did a lot of growing, playing a new role this year. You're graded on production and from that standpoint it's not where I wanted to be overall. Playing wise, though, I thought I did a good job."

Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby said the mistake some young players make is never thinking they'll have to evolve. Dansby, 33, shed weight midway through his career to adjust to a game that forced him into more pass coverage.

"If you don't (change) with the league, you're going to be out of the league," he said. "It's just how the game goes.

"You've got to be able to make adjustments on the fly. There are a lot of young guys coming into this game nowadays, and they don't understand that . . . You've got to point them to it and get them closer to the reality of the situation."

Mingo knew in training camp 2014 would mark his most challenging season in football. Then, he injured his shoulder in the opening weeks and elected to play through the pain rather than "shut it down," Pettine said.

The linebacker should have a better idea later this week if he requires surgery. Mingo said he has full range of motion when he's not wearing the harness.

"He's been fighting it all year long," O'Neil said of the injury. "Like I said earlier in the season, he's been a warrior, but men play on Sunday."

Consistency remains an issue, Pettine said, but he thought Mingo played better as the season unfurled. The linebacker was more noticeable over the past five weeks than at any point since opening his career with sacks in three straight games.

In fairness to Mingo and the group that drafted him, none of the 2013 first-round edge rushers save for the Lions' Ziggy Ansah (No. 5 overall) have compiled good numbers. The Dolphins' Dion Jordan (No. 3 overall) has three sacks in 26 games

Mingo recognizes he must get stronger and finish more plays which his speed puts him in position to make. He ranked tied for third on the Browns with nine missed tackles.

A week ago, Mingo said he was anxious to discuss his future role with the coaching staff during exit interviews. You get a feeling the club is still searching for his identity within its defense.

The Browns (7-9) ranked tied for 27th with just 31 sacks. Will they give Mingo more pass-rush chances in 2015? They need a front-seven presence that puts fear into opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators.

Don't be surprised to see them address it through the draft. What would that mean for Mingo? All Pettine would says is he looks forward to getting No. 51 back next season healthy.

'I just think we have a better feel for him and his skill set," the coach said.

Browns fans should expect more from their first-round picks than role players. But in becoming more versatile Mingo took a step forward -- even as he spent much of it backpedaling.