One mock draft (CBS) actually has NE trading down from #3 to #8 with Atlanta, and taking JJ McCarthy.
Barf.
You really don’t know JJ McCarthy, it’s clear about that. He’s going to win a Super Bowl in his career. Will it be with the Pats? Who knows.
I would say the range on JJ McCarthy is anything from Mac Jones to Justin Herbert, so roll your dice if you want. But you are rolling your dice with any QB pick. Any QB you pick could be Zach Wilson or could be Patrick Mahomes. Based on history, even the best scouts, coaches, GMs don't know what QBs are going to be good. The 49ers traded the farm to move up to draft Trey Lance. The Patriots got Tom Brady in the 6th Round. That is the variability you are dealing with when drafting QBs.
The Patriots are 1 for 1 when drafting Michigan QBs so I guess there is that. I would say that there is less risk in trading back and still getting McCarthy as you end up with additional picks. So if McCarthy is a bust, at least you have the other picks. If you take say Daniels, and he busts, you have nothing.