Bengals News (4/17): New-Look Command Center

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals are set to unveil a new command center for the upcoming NFL draft, featuring advanced technology to aid their scouting efforts. Key personnel involved include director of football research Sam Francis and senior application developer Tyler Gross.

Key points

Bengals to unveil new command center for NFL draft
Three large screens will enhance scouting capabilities
Director of football research Sam Francis involved
Focus on improving defensive performance
Top draft picks could significantly impact the team

Mentioned in this story

Sam FrancisTyler GrossTrey LaBountyJoe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images **Bengals Poised To Launch In Draft’s Mission Control: A Peek Inside New-Look Command Center** Three massive screens emerging in the draft room represent how the cyber trio of director of football research Sam Francis, senior application developer Tyler Gross and scouting research analyst Trey LaBounty have supplemented the Bengals scouts and coaches in the Zooming 2020s. **Bengals 2026 Mock Draft Roundup 11.0** “The Bengals likely know that if both top defensive backs in this draft are off the board before the 10th pick, some of the top front-seven defenders will fall into their lap. In this case, they are happy to go with Rueben Bain Jr.” **Bengals Hit Multiple Defensive Levels Across Latest Two-Round 2026 Mock Draft** “This has become a pretty popular mock draft match, and it makes sense,” Kiper wrote. “Cam Taylor-Britt signed in Indianapolis, and the No. 2 corner spot opposite DJ Turner II is up for grabs in Cincinnati. The Bengals have to do something on defense to catch that unit up to the offense a bit; it allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt in 2025, fourth worst in the league. Delane is technically sound, and he can make plays to get the defense off the field and put the ball in quarterback ’s hands. Over four college seasons — including three at Virginia Tech — Delane had 27 pass breakups and eight interceptions.” **** The 23-year-old attended high school in Texas, where his father Jon coached football, and played at the University of Alabama-Birmingham after Florida, but was allowed to participate in the workout because Jon is now the head football coach at Lakota East High School, which hired him in 2023. **** So does BJ Hill, notably. Back in early April, Hill fired up a bunch of speculation from fans about a trade with the . That, or the Bengals re-signing DJ Reader in free agency. But the Lawrence thing made sense because of his past time next to him with the Giants. **** There’s talent to be found at all levels of the draft each year but picking in the top 10 gives the Bengals an excellent opportunity to find an impact player who could play a major role as a rookie for the 2026 season and become a cornerstone piece of the franchise moving forward.

Q&A

What technology is featured in the Bengals' new command center for the NFL draft?

The new command center includes three massive screens designed to enhance the scouting process and support the team's draft strategy.

Who are the key personnel involved in the Bengals' draft preparations?

Key personnel include Sam Francis, Tyler Gross, and Trey LaBounty, who are instrumental in integrating technology into the scouting process.

What are the Bengals' draft needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bengals are focusing on strengthening their defense, particularly looking for top defensive backs and front-seven defenders.