"Big Guys in a Benz" is one of the offseason highlights for the Chicago Bears. It's a segment where Anthony Adams, the former defensive tackle, takes other big men of the trenches for rides and they talk about anything and everything. It's a laid back joking atmosphere most of the time. Typical of Adams. His latest guest was second-year defensive end Bilal Nichols.
Though he may come across as quiet in the face of teammates like Akiem Hicks, the former 5th round pick is actually quite talkative and has a bright personality. The first thing he asked was how Adams got hooked up with his car. Soon their conversation inevitably shifted towards the size question. Nichols revealed that up until the age of 12 or 13, he was just another short, chubby kid.
Then he went through a massive growth spurt, eventually ending up 6'5. Even so, he hasn't lost at least some of that rolly polly look he's had ever since childhood. Adams can sympathize with that as well. This led to a fascinating question. Who is the most ripped among the Bears defensive linemen?
Inevitably they both settled on Roy Robertson-Harris. Not a surprise. The former undrafted free agent is every bit of 6'7 and doesn't appear to have an ounce of fat on him even with all his pads on. This apparently annoyed Adams, so he decided to take a couple of shots at Nichols' teammate.
Bilal Nichols wisely avoided joining in ahead of training camp
One thing about Nichols is he's not dumb. While he no doubt enjoyed Adams' spot on impression of Robertson-Harris, his refusal to join in speaks to a man who knows his situation. He'd have had to not only confront the guy in the locker room at some point, but he also had no plans to give him a little extra motivation going into training camp. Don't forget that though the two are teammates, they're also poised for battle.
The Bears appear set at two of their three starting spots on the defensive line with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman. Only the other defensive end spot remains somewhat uncertain. As things stand it should be a wide open race between Nichols, Robertson-Harris, and Jonathan Bullard to see how will claim it. Robertson-Harris is already a capable enough player. Giving him extra incentive wouldn't suit the goals of Nichols.
Thus he was content to let Adams do the mocking.
