The Minnesota Vikings had another disappointing campaign, as they missed the NFL Playoffs for the second consecutive season. The team fired Mike Zimmer as coach and hired Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell.

While that's already a big change for the Vikings, they still have a lot more work to do in the offseason to get back to being a competitive team. They have two offensive stars to build around with running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Cook rushed for 1,159 yards and six touchdowns. He also contributed in the receiving game with 34 receptions for 224 yards.

Jefferson had a phenomenal second campaign, catching 108 passes for 1,616 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has emerged as one of the best receivers in the NFL. Jefferson is a great route runner, making him difficult for defenses to guard.

However, the defense needs to improve to take the Vikings to the next level. Both the run defense and pass defense need adjustment as they did not fare well against offenses.

Three major fixes the Vikings must make this offseason to make the 2022 NFL Playoffs

3. Offensive line

The Vikings' offensive line is their weakness on offense, which could halt them from becoming an elite unit.

Free agency and the NFL Draft will both have options for them to make a change. Brandon Scherff would be a plug-and-play offensive guard for the Vikings that would instantly improve their offensive line. The five-time Pro Bowler previously blocked for quarterback Kirk Cousins during their time together in Washington. This would add a more seamless transition for him into the Vikings offense.

This year's rookie class also has viable options to help build the offensive line for the future. Whatever route the Vikings choose, the offensive line issue must be addressed.

2. Run defense

Not being able to stop the run can be demoralizing for a team, especially in the final minutes of a game. The NFC North is filled with good running backs and a dual-threat quarterback for the Chicago Bears in Justin Fields. With the Green Bay Packers, they have two elite running backs in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, while the Detroit Lions have D'Andre Swift and the Bears have David Montgomery.

The Vikings need to build a strong defensive line and linebacker core to counter stellar running games from opposing teams.

1. Pass defense

While the run defense is important, the NFL is driven by elite passing offenses. For example, the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs postseason game came down to which passing attack could be stopped first. The quarterback duel between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen was unbelievable.

Having an elite pass defense could help the Vikings get stops in key situations. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has dominated the NFC North throughout his career and will continue to do so if he returns. This is why the Vikings need to target players in the secondary.

There are many options for them to pursue in free agency. Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Williams are just a couple of names. Bringing in an elite player in the secondary next to Harrison Smith would help contain top receivers.

If Davante Adams stays with the Packers, the Vikings will still have to face the best receiver twice a year. It is essential for the Vikings to fix this problem to help them get to the next level.