they look like brassicas of some sort, early sprouting broccoli or early cabbage.

Yup that is what they look like to me too...

Are you asking what the plant is, or what problem it has? The picture's poor quality, so those black specks I can see on the stems are impossible to see clearly, if that's what you're asking about.

The leaves look like they have taken a big hit from cabbage worms.

Agree Tugb. they look fairly well descimated to me!