Low cost makes Worthy, Bass deals worth a shot
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| Worthy was misfit in the Packers 3-4 scheme |
Unfortunately, the second thing that comes to mind is the legitimate question of whether either player will actually be able to contribute in New England. Neither Jerel Worthy nor Ben Bass have accomplished much in their pro careers, and neither have been practicing this summer due to injuries.
Despite this, it's hard to find fault in the Jerel Worthy trade if the details that have been reported are correct. For the minimal price of a conditional seventh round pick, the Patriots acquire a player who was deemed to have second round talent just two years ago. With the sending of that pick reportedly contingent on Worthy making the team, there's absolutely no risk to the move. Bottom line, if Worthy doesn't play well, the Patriots will give up nothing for taking a shot on him.
Worthy comes with the dreaded label of a draft bust, but it's possible he was just a case of a player misfit for his team's scheme. Most pre-draft scouts believed Worthy was best suited for the 4-3, where he could use his quickness to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays. Instead, the 6'2", 308 pound Worthy was drafted by the Packers and predictably struggled to two gap in their 3-4 front.
It's certainly concerning that the Packers gave up on Worthy so quickly and for so little, but they were likely weary of waiting for Worthy to finally get back on the field, as injuries have derailed the former Michigan State standout's career at every turn. A torn ACL ended his rookie season prematurely, while also costing him a significant chunk of his sophomore year. This year was considered a make or break year for him in Green Bay, but he had yet to practice for the Pack due to a back injury.
That back injury could prevent this trade from going through if Worthy is unable to pass his physical. He actually spoke to reporters merely hours before the trade was reported, expressing optimism that he'd be back on the field soon.
"I'm just waiting for the green light. I feel really great. I've done everything that I can possibly do with the training staff and with the strength and conditioning guys. They've done a great job of prepping me for this moment. At the end of the day, it's just a day-to-day thing. I said it last week, that I'm just waiting for my moment."
As for the Ben Bass trade, I think it's fair to say this was merely a case of two teams swapping out end of the roster prospects. The Pats need some bodies at defensive tackle after losing Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga to injuries last week, while the Cowboys are thin at corner with Morris Claiborne hurt and Orlando Scandrick suspended. Each team gave up a prospect unlikely to make the final roster (Justin Green's odds have gotten even longer with the recent emergence of Malcolm Butler) in exchange for a body at a position of need.
It wasn't that long ago that Bass was making waves in Dallas with his play. The undersized but quick Bass was in line for a rotational role last year after an impressive training camp, but his path to playing time was derailed by a separated shoulder that eventually landed him on season ending IR. When he was healthy, he was earning praise from veterans like Jason Hatcher.
"Bass has it all. Bass is going to be the reason I’m playing on a different team next year. He’s coming on. He’s coming on. I just have to keep my job security, keep playing my butt off."
Jason Hatcher says Ben Bass 'has been kicking you-know-what on the practice squad all year against our 1 offensive line.'
Hatcher went on to say that Ben Bass and Tyrone Crawford 'are the future here. I'm just going to enjoy my time, play my butt off, while I'm here.' - Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
However, like Worthy, injuries prevented Bass from carving out more of a name for himself. 2012 saw the former Aggie get promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, only to get placed on injured reserve two weeks later with an ankle injury. The following year saw him lose the entire season to that aforementioned separated shoulder, and a balky hamstring has kept him off the practice field this camp.
While there's a chance that health prevents either player from contributing in New England, it's important to remember that the Pats are unlikely to count on them for anything more than additional depth. They still have two excellent starters in place in Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly, expect to get Chris Jones back in a few weeks, and will be adding Dominique Easley to the rotation at some point. The depth is thin for now, but they are still far deeper at the position than they were last year.
In both trades, the Patriots bought very low on players who have at least flashed some physical talent. There's admittedly a low probability of getting any substantial reward from the deals, but that becomes a moot point considering how low the cost of business was. All things considered, I can't find fault with taking a flier on either Worthy or Bass.
I just wouldn't my hopes up too high on either player making a big impact.
