Chicago traded Justin Fields, which means they are drafting a QB.
Washington traded Sam Howell, which means they are drafting a QB.
Even if either team trades down, they're still drafting a QB.
If the Pats trade down, then they need to be prepared to draft a non-QB with their first pick.
There is no guarantee that McCarthy or whoever they may be targeting will be available at a lower draft slot.
There is also no guarantee that Nix, Penix, etc. will be available at #34.
The Patriots should rank the entire draft class:
#1 on their wish list, #2 on their wish list, #3 on their wish list - regardless of position.
Ask themselves 'are we okay with (fill in the blank) at #3'?
Ask themselves 'if we do draft (fill in the blank) at #3, are we okay with (fill in the blank), whatever is left at #34'?