After implementing his aggressive natured scheme and system,it took just two years for head coach Mike Zimmer to resurrect one of the league's worst defenses. 

Filled with exotic sub-packages and a barrage of different looks Zimmer, watched his defense climb to a top-five in multiple categories including fewest points allowed.  

While the team was considered an over achiever after knocking off the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North crown, it's more clear than ever the Vikings are just a few pieces away from serious Super Bowl contention.

1. Wide Receiver

In a league that likes to spread out receivers in four and five man bunches, the Vikings are still looking for a true No. 1 pass catcher. While Norv Turner safely chose an offensive game plan heavily focused around the eventual rushing champion Adrian Peterson, it was clear he didn't have any other option.

Now, with Mike Wallace heading to Baltimore, giving Teddy Bridgewater a true outside threat is more critical than ever as he enters the make-or-break year three for a young quarterback.

2. Safety

Due to such a vast improvement on the defensive side of the ball, the safety position often got overlooked, but was easily one of the biggest vulnerabilities of the unit.  Under Zimmer, safety Harrison Smith molded himself into one of the best in the league. However, the team was unable to find anyone who could help balance out his skill-set to take advantage of his versatility.  

The team signed former Tennessee Titan Michael Griffin and re-signed Andrew Sendejo to battle currently rostered safeties Antone Exum and Anthony Harris.  But don't be surprised if the front office looks to the draft feeling the solution to the problem still isn't currently on the roster.  

3. Offensive Tackle

While a lack of passing weapons was a main reason Turner opted to stick to a heavy run based scheme, it was also clear the offensive line couldn't hold up in pass protection anyways.  

Thanks to a plethora of injuries including starters John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt, the team's lack of depth was an obvious one and was clear it would need a big shot in the arm.

The signing of former 49ers guard Alex Boone will be a instant help on the interior allowing Brandon Fusco to compete for his old job on the right side with quietly impressive Mike Harris.  

However, even with the signing of Andre Smith from Cincinnati the Vikings have to build for the future on the outside with himself, Phil Loadholt, and Matt Kalil all set to be free agents the following year.

4. Linebacker

Rick Spielman invested heavily into the defensive last draft early and often cashing in his first three picks on that side of the ball.  One of those was second-rounder Erik Kendricks who stepped in right away to become the team's leading tackler.  

Even though Kendricks and young and upcoming star Anthony Barr form one of the better nickel packages in the league, the team is still looking for their replacement to long time Viking Chad Greenway in Zimmer’s 4-3 base unit.

5. Wide Receiver 

Yeah, it’s really that bad.  Even with the running game producing some of the best numbers in the league Bridgewater was unable to take advantage of eight and nine men box looks as the the Vikings posted one of the worst statically passing units around.

Cordarrelle Patterson, Jarius Wright, and Adam Thielen all have their own unique roles carved out under Turner, but outside of them and Charles Johnson’s giant question marks the team has no one they can rely on to consistently beat one-on-one coverage and provide a deep threat.