SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Heading into the 2006 draft, the 49ers had two first-round picks and big needs on both offense and defense. They used the first of those picks on a speedy tight end they hoped would deliver touchdowns, the second on a linebacker expected to ramp up the team's pass rush.

More than two seasons later, however, Vernon Davis and Manny Lawson have vastly different roles than what was envisioned for them in 2006. Davis attracts kudos for his blocking ability, but he has yet to make his mark as a receiver. Lawson, meanwhile, has only two and a half career sacks and has had scant playing time this season.

Part of that may be due to health.

Though Lawson insists he has fully recovered from the torn anterior cruciate ligament that caused him to miss all but two games last season, it's not clear whether he has regained the explosion and confidence he had before the injury.

"Give it about four more weeks and ask me the same thing," coach Mike Nolan said Thursday when asked about Lawson's recovery. "Because thus far he hasn't been used that much. Last week (in practice) there were some plays in there where I thought, 'Wow, look at him go.' It got my attention and I thought, 'Well, has he not been going before?"'

"I do know this," Nolan continued. "In time he's going to be 100 percent because he doesn't have any residual effects (from the injury)."

Lawson also has been used sparingly this season because the 49ers have leaned heavily on a defensive package that excludes him. The so-called "Big Sub" scheme uses three safeties and two linebackers, Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes.

Lawson didn't play a defensive snap when the 49ers used the "Big Sub" against the Seahawks, and he was on the field for only a handful of plays Sunday in New Orleans.

Lawson's forte has been his coverage ability, and he's even been used at times as a safety. But he is the first defensive player pulled off the field when the 49ers switch to a nickel defense.

Lawson will miss Sunday's game against New England with a hamstring strain, but Nolan said his playing time would increase as the season goes on.

"Believe me, I don't necessarily like to see him there next to me on the sideline at times, but at the same time — by who the offense has out there — I want to make sure we give ourselves the best chance to win," Nolan said.

At the end of Sunday's game in New Orleans, Nolan also could look beside him and see Davis.

After catching his lone pass against the Saints a screen Davis took up field for 19 yards late in the game he then gestured and yelled at his own bench. After an exchange with Nolan on the sideline, Davis never got back in the game.

Mike Martz's offense has appeared to be a boon to every receiver on the team save Davis. Through three games in 2007 he was injured late in the third contest Davis had eight receptions. By contrast, he has five catches after four games this season. He also is dealing with the same issue that caused him to seek out Nolan last year a frustration that he is being used more as a blocker than a receiver.

"I'd love to get down the field a little bit more and catch passes," David admitted Monday. "I love to catch passes more than blocking any day."

Tight ends coach Pete Hoener said Thursday that he and the 49ers have been pleased with Davis and his receptions will vary game to game.

The problem, Hoener suggested, might be one of expectations. The fans and the media and perhaps Davis himself want Davis to be a pass catcher. The 49ers want him to be an all-around tight end.

"The biggest thing at that position is you're not just a receiver," Hoener said. "You do multiple things at multiple positions. And he does them all well."