After a rookie year spent learning to play outside linebacker, the team's 2006 first-round draft pick said he has found his comfort zone in the teams 3-4 defense and is ready to become a force among the unit's five new starters this season.

"I've gotten to know what this defense is about and how to play my position," Lawson said yesterday. "This year, the defense is opening up for me, and I'm going to be put in situations to make plays."

As an edge linebacker in San Francisco's 3-4, Lawson is set to be a featured performer whose versatility will be key to the system's success. The 49ers are making the transition from a standard 4-3 set this season under first-year defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.

Lawson spent his rookie season learning the intricacies of playing linebacker after establishing himself as one of college football's top defensive ends at North Carolina State, where he ranked 12th nationally in sacks as a senior.

He was expected to pump up San Francisco's pass rush last season, but instead developed into a coverage linebacker who rarely blitzed after the team determined Lawson needed time to gain the strength and technique necessary to rush from the edge at the pro level.

Lawson finished with only three sacks, disappointing some critics — himself in particular.

"I can count the number of times I rushed last year on two hands," Lawson said.

This year promises to be different. San Francisco's new scheme is a good fit for Lawson, likely freeing him to get the most out of his size and talent.

At 6-foot-5, Lawson has a long wingspan to shed blockers. He also has the speed — 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash — to beat offensive tackles around the edge and stay tight with running backs and tight ends in coverage.

He'll be doing much of both this season. According to Lawson, opponents won't know what's coming.

"I can be out there showing one thing, but I'll have something else in mind," Lawson said. "I've made myself known as a covering outside linebacker, so you see me out there in coverage and I'm Hollywood, and then I come back and I'm rushing. It throws the offense off and puts the entire defense in a good position to make plays."