It's hard to not to come into the 2025 season with high hopes for Ladd McConkey after his historic rookie season.

It turns out the second-year receiver has managed not only to reach those benchmarks, but surpass them, too.

"Ladd exceeded every expectation I had," Chargers wide receiver coach Sanjay Lal said on Tuesday.

McConkey, who broke the Chargers franchise rookie record for catches and receiving yards in a season, has picked up right where he left off so far in the offseason.

The second-year receiver drew praise on Tuesday as he heads into his another year as one of Justin Herbert's top targets.

Whether it's the refined game he continues to show during the early portions of the offseason program or in the meeting rooms, the receiver has caught everyone's eye — even more than he already did as a rookie.

"His skillset is off the charts," Lal said. "He comes out of breaks, he's really sharp, his angles are great, speed into the defense is off the charts.

"Just been really, really impressed by him," Lal added. "He's better than advertised, really."

And it's all been a product of the receiver's approach to a big offseason in his eyes.

The receiver has taken full advantage of his first full offseason as a pro in all aspects, as he laid out his process since the season ended.

Of course, it included the film and workouts but first and foremost was his health and getting his body where he wanted to.

"It was my first true offseason," McConkey said. "Not just going straight into stuff, so I got to work at my own pace and build my body back up how I wanted it to.

"It was getting healthy from that standpoint and then just building a good foundation so I could maintain it throughout the year," McConkey added.

McConkey displayed his toughness during the record-breaking season as he battled through everything, something Lal praised him for on Tuesday.

Now having a full year of recovery and training in an NFL environment, McConkey said he took strides and wants to set the tone in that aspect in Year 2.

"I was banged up a little bit last year, so just getting my body healthy, get back right, get everything situated, feeling good," McConkey said on Tuesday. "After that, it was just building a good foundation for going into the season."

McConkey continues to attack everything in Year 2 with the same work ethic he had as a rookie — but there has been one stark difference that has been standing out to the rest of his team.

The 23-year-old has taken up more of a vocal role in the room, leading the team in some drills and giving more input now in his second year.

It's been noticeable by all, including his fellow receivers like Quentin Johnston.

"I think the only thing that's a little bit different is just him being more vocal," Johnston said. "As far as his gameplay, as far as his practice play, as far as his work ethic, it's always been the same, which is obviously a good thing. He's just been the same person as soon as he walked through the door the first day I met him.

"The only thing I would say is being more vocal, helping coach the younger guys up like we're doing," Johnston added. "That's the main thing."

Lal said he sets the tone in things like practices as well, where he has shown big strides.

"This year, he's more of a vocal leader and taking charge of individual drills," Lal said. "If it's not up to our standard, sometimes before I even say anything, he says, 'Let's start it over. Let's do it [right].'

"He's like a model citizen," Lal added.

McConkey said he has made an effort to grow in that department, even though he's only in his second year.

Just like others helped him out as a rookie in the NFL, he's trying to do the same in whatever way he can.

"I would say I'm trying to step more into that role and be a leader," McConkey said. "Especially for the young guys coming in, showing them what it's about.

"I had guys last year that did that for me, Josh [Palmer], DJ [Chark], [Johnston], even though they're a only a year above, they've been through it," McConkey added. "I feel like I know a little more what to expect this year, so just trying to pass that knowledge down to everyone else."

And he gets to pass that along in a position room that has the young receiver fired up.

Whether it's the additions of Mike Williams or draft picks Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith to the room already intact, they have a lot of versatility in how they can line up in 2025.

That spells great news for McConkey who, while most of his damage came from the slot, can line up and find success anywhere on the field.

He's more than happy to do whatever he can once again.

"I just want to be on the field at the end of the day," McConkey said. "Whether that's outside, inside, 11 personnel, 12 personnel, whatever. I just want to be out there, be able to make plays. I know my coaches are going to put me in good positions.

"I feel like they did a good job of that last year so my job is when they do that, just go make a play," McConkey added. "I'm comfortable with both, so I expect to play inside and outside this year."

Lal added: "We don't see Ladd as a slot, and he hates being called a slot, so we don't do that. Ladd can play everywhere, as can a few other guys."

After a year like the one the receiver had as a rookie, the expectations are high for the 23-year-old receiver in his second season.

Even still, it's not something that's at the top of McConkey's mind heading into 2025.

He continues to be as even keel as ever and have the same approach he always has — even if things have changed a lot in just a year.

"Tunnel vision. Put the blinders on and just keep looking ahead," McConkey said. "I'm going to have good days, I'm going to have bad days, so don't get too high, don't get too low and just play my game.

"That's kind of how I always approached it since I've been younger and it's worked out for me. So I'm just going to keep doing that," McConkey added.